Guidelines for events around Boston City Hall

What events are covered?

These guidelines apply to any public event proposed to take place at:

• Faneuil Hall
• Sam Adams Park
• City Hall Plaza
• City Hall Lobby
• Civic Pavilion

What form must be completed to start the process?

Applicants requesting the use of the designated venues must complete the Event Application form.

What is the deadline for submitting requests?

You must submit completed applications at least 30 days before the proposed event. Non-compliance may result in denial of the application.

What are the next steps?

The Property Management Department (PMD) will review the request. We respond in writing to applicants within 10 days. PMD may make further inquiries of the applicant. We may also require

additional documents.

If the requested event is to be held at Sam Adams Park, City Hall Plaza, City Hall Lobby, or Civic Pavilion, the applicant may then be directed to:

• complete a Public Event application, and
• meet with the City of Boston Special Events Committee.

Applicants are responsible for getting all necessary permits and licenses from other departments and agencies needed for proposed events. You must fully comply with those additional application procedures. If you have to get multiple applications and permits, you can pursue those at the same time that you complete our application.

We may revoke approval of any events if you fail to get the permits and licenses you need from other City departments and agencies.

What are the reasons a request could be denied?

Where possible, PMD seeks to accommodate all applicants who want to use the City of Boston’s public spaces. We also want to maximize the efficient use of these spaces. Our goal is to ensure the safety and convenience of applicants and the general public. For that reason, access to these spaces must be regulated.

We may deny a request for the following reasons:

• The use or activity intended by the applicant is prohibited by law, ordinance, or by regulation
• If another event is approved for the same time and place and a permit has been or will be granted to a prior applicant that allows activities that prevent multiple events in the same area (in such cases, the City will propose an alternative space, if available)
• The applicant's event or activity at the space conflicts with previously planned programs scheduled for the same time and place (in such cases, the City will propose an alternative space, if available)
• The applicant's use or activity in the space would present an unreasonable danger to the health and safety
• The applicant has not complied with applicable license or permit requirements, ordinances, or regulations
• The application contains a material falsehood or misrepresentation
• The applicant has made material misrepresentations in previous applications, or has violated the terms of previous permits
• The application is not fully completed and executed
• The applicant has failed to tender the required insurance certificate
• The applicant is legally incompetent to contract, or to sue and be sued
• The applicant or person or group behind the permit has previously damaged City property, and has not paid for such damage, or has other unpaid debts to the City of Boston.

In addition, approved applicants must comply with PMD rules for our designated venues:

1. The applicant is responsible for ensuring there is no illegal activity at the venue.
2. The applicant will be held responsible for any damage to public property.
3. The applicant shall indemnify and hold harmless PMD and its employees from any damage it may sustain or be required to pay, by reason of said event, or by reason of any act or neglect by the applicant or their agent relating to such event or by the reason of any violation of the terms and conditions of the permit.
4. Further conditions and rules for the use of venues for approved requests may be set forth at the discretion of PMD and the Commissioner of Property Management.