Concerts, exhibits, trade shows, even political rallies can be held in places that don’t have an assembly occupancy or in temporary structures erected specifically for the event. In these cases, a TPA or a Temporary Place of Assembly Certificate of Operation needs to be procured by the organizer of the event. It is necessary to ensure the health, safety, and welfare of the crowd that will gather for such events. Temporary structures include tents, grandstands, bleachers and the likes.
What Exactly is a TPA?
A Temporary Place of Assembly Certificate of Operation (TPA) is required for temporary premises where 75 or more members of the public gather indoors or 200 or more gather outdoors, for religious, recreational, educational, political or social purposes, or to consume food or drink. A TPA is issued by the NYC Department of Buildings for events lasting less than 30 days. Parks, streets or even warehouses can be considered for these events. TPAs are issued both for regularly scheduled events like annual indoor exhibitions and farmers' markets, and also for one- time events like political rallies and celebrity concerts. Publicly accessible open spaces used for promotion of products and/or services do not qualify for a TPA.
Temporary structures and uses needs to be in conformity with zoning regulations as well as building code compliance in terms of structural strength, fire safety, lighting, accessibility, ventilation, means of egress and sanitary requirements to ensure the public’s health, safety and general welfare.
How To Apply For A TPA
In applying for a TPA, you need to submit the following to the NYC Department of Buildings:
- Application Letter from a Registered Design Professional (RDP).
- DOB-compliant drawings/plans, signed and stamped by the RDP.
- Processing Fee: $250.00
TPA permits need to be applied for at least 10 days before the event. An additional fee of $100 per day will be added if applied for less than 10 days prior. TPAs are time-critical, so it is imperative to plan and ensure that permits acquired at the soonest possible time.
Other Agency Approvals
Acquiring a TPA permit from the DOB allows people to gather indoors or outdoors for special events. The NYC Fire Department approval is also required and is incorporated into the main DOB application process. However, in some cases, special events permit approval may also be required from the Department of Transportation, and, events that require cooking need additional permits from the FDNY.
If you require a TPA, it is always best to consult an expert to ensure compliance and avoid any penalty. We at P. Wolfe Consultants are always ready to assist you with all of your permit needs including TPAs. Contact us for all your inquiries.