Permits

Permitting on Roosevelt Island

The Roosevelt Island Permits Department strives to schedule opportunities for growth by permitting an array of diverse programs and events that promote recreational, community, environmental, and personal development.

There are different guidelines and permitting schedules based for different locations. Please follow the links to the left for more information!

To view our permit policy click here.

*IMPORTANT NOTICE: The Sportspark building remains closed for renovations. An update will be provided for when we will accept permits for this area.  

Helpful hints to move you through the permit process:

Securing a permit is easy! Here are a few tips:

 Check facility schedules here!.  

If you're interested in a location that is not listed, simply email your specific dates and times of interest to permits@rioc.ny.gov.

Be sure to keep your requested dates within the range that is currently being permitted- each location/space has a different range.  You can find each location's specific permitting schedule by clicking the appropriate link on the left side of this page.  Remember, RIOC cannot guarantee or hold dates outside of the current permitting window.

Once you have confirmed availability either via online calendar or from staff, fill out a permit application.

Remember, the times you are permitted for are the times IN and OUT of a space. As an example: If you're permit is from 4:00PM to 6:00PM, this means setup may begin at 4:00PM and breakdown must be completed by 6:00PM.

Once a permit application is submitted, please allow up to 10 business days for processing. Applications are processed in the order they are received.

  • Attention Roosevelt Island Permit Holders: The Civic Permits reservation system is now accepting credit card payments online.

    Checks can be delivered to the Permits Department at 550 Main Street or mailed to 524 Main Street, NY, NY 10044.

 *RIOC may adjust the fee schedule and categories at its discretion.

Insurance

ALL PERMITS REQUIRE A CERTIFICATE OF LIABILITY. If you already have one, great! If not, you should wait to secure one until you receive a confirmation of your request. RIOC does not provide these certificates- an internet search for "event liability insurance" will provide guidance. Always shop around and compare quotes.

Your certificate must have at least $1 million in general liability.

Five entities must be listed as additional insured: 

  • Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation
  • New York State
  • New York City
  • Empire State Development
  • NY State Housing and Community Renewal

*The address for the above entities: 524 Main Street, Roosevelt Island NY 10044.

Priority Scheduling During Bulk Permitting Periods

The Bulk Permitting Periods occur for indoor and outdoor facilities prior to upcoming seasons. During this period, any requests submitted will be prioritized based on the following: 

  1. Roosevelt Island Youth 501c3
  2. Roosevelt Island Youth Organization
  3. Non-Profit 501c3
  4. For Profit Group

After the bulk permitting period concludes, requests will be managed on a first come, first serve basis.

Indoor Bulk Permitting Periods:

Indoor Bulk Permitting Period Schedule

Outdoor Bulk Permitting Periods:

Outdoor2023PermitScheduleFINAL

Change to Permit Request

After a permit request has been approved and an invoice has been issued, the customer has 3 business days to submit a change request. If the submitted changes are approved by RIOC, the invoice will be finalized for payment and a permit will be issued once payment and insurance is received. 

NO CHANGES OR EXCHANGES OF SCHEDULED DATES WILL BE ALLOWED TO PERMITS ONCE THEY ARE SIGNED.  Cancellations and late fees apply.