Don't delay getting your TPA!

It’s that time of year again. The holiday season is officially here and many organizations are planning big parties to celebrate. Obtaining the Temporary Place of Assembly (TPA) permit for your holiday party is probably not at the top of your holiday 'to-do' list. However, it should be.

The New York City Department of Buildings (DOB) requires TPAs when a space does not have a Place of Assembly Certificate of Occupancy (PACO), and the event meets the following criteria:

75 or more people are gathered indoors
200 or more are gathered in a confined outdoor space, for a common purpose
When the expected attendance exceeds the approved occupancy for an existing Public Assembly space

TPA permits are issued by the DOB Borough Commissioner’s Office, and are approved on a case-by-case basis. TPA permits are issued for events lasting up to 30 days.

*Please note that the DOB now requires Place of Assembly (PA) and Temporary Place of Assembly (TPA) applications to be submitted online through DOB NOW: Build. In order to avoid delays, we recommend TPA filings be submitted no later than 20 business days prior to the event and engaging us to file your permit about a month out.

In order to obtain a TPA permit, follow these steps:

1. Instruct the Registered Architect or Licensed Engineer to submit plans along with a cover letter to the Borough Commissioner for the borough in which the TPA permit is needed.

2. The DOB Borough Commissioner/Plan Examiner will review the layout plans and any supplemental information.

3. Upon the applicant’s request, an inspector will verify that the plans match the conditions on the plans and will issue a TPA permit. The applicant can request an appointment by contacting the appropriate borough office.

It's also important to note that all TPAs are subject to inspection by the FDNY at any time. Should the FDNY choose to visit the event site while the event is underway, the FDNY will charge a fee for its inspection based on the number of occupants listed on the DOB’s approved TPA permit.

Schedule of FDNY TPA Inspection Fees:

Occupancy: 75 to 149 = $415.00
Occupancy: 150 to 499 = $520.00
Occupancy: 500 to 999 = $625.00
Occupancy: 1,000 to 2,499 = $725.00
Occupancy: 2,500 to 9,999 = $830.00
Occupancy: 10,000 or greater, and arenas and stadiums (per hour) = $210.00

Avoid the hassle of filing a TPA permit for your holiday event, contact Milrose and we’ll ensure your TPA permit is filed on time so your holiday party runs smoothly.