The Public Event Application is the request form that the City of Boston Property Management Department uses for public events at Faneuil Hall, Sam Adams Park, City Hall Plaza, the City Hall Lobby, North Stage and the location of the City Hall Flag Poles. The printed heading on the PDF reads City Hall and Faneuil Hall Event Application. Event organizers use it to give the contact person, event dates, set-up and break-down times, location and music needs. On this page you can fill out the form online on FillingPDF and download or print the completed PDF; the form is published by the City of Boston and is submitted to the Property Management Department.
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What is Public Event Application – Boston, MA?
The Public Event Application is the City of Boston form, headed City Hall and Faneuil Hall Event Application, that an applicant completes to ask the Property Management Department (PMD) for permission to hold a public event at certain City-managed venues.
The form covers any public event proposed at Faneuil Hall, Sam Adams Park, City Hall Plaza, the City Hall Lobby, North Stage or the location of the City Hall Flag Poles. It asks for a contact person, billing address, telephone number and e-mail address; the name of the event; event dates and start and end times; set-up dates and times and break-down time; the location or locations requested; and whether the event will require music (DJ or Radio/CD).
Completing it starts the process: PMD reviews the request and answers in writing. The guidelines printed with the form explain that, for events at Sam Adams Park, City Hall Plaza, the City Hall Lobby, North Stage or the Flag Poles area, the applicant may then be directed to complete a Public Event Application and meet with the City of Boston Special Events Committee.
Approval by PMD is not a substitute for other permits or licenses. The guidelines make the applicant responsible for obtaining every permit and license required by other City departments and agencies, and say that PMD's approval may be revoked if they are not obtained. The City publishes the form and guidelines on the Property Management page of boston.gov.
Who needs to file Public Event Application – Boston, MA?
Anyone proposing a public event at Faneuil Hall, Sam Adams Park, City Hall Plaza, the City Hall Lobby, North Stage or the location of the City Hall Flag Poles uses this application. The guidelines call these people "any person or group requesting the use" of those venues.
Points to know before you apply:
- The guidelines say the application is the form that must be completed to start the process for the designated venues.
- The form asks for one contact person, so a group should name the person who will answer PMD's questions and receive the billing address.
- PMD may deny a request if the applicant is legally incompetent to contract, or to sue and be sued, or if the applicant, or the group on whose behalf the application is made, has damaged City property without paying for it or has other unpaid debts to the City of Boston.
- Applicants whose events need permits or licenses from other City departments or agencies must pursue those themselves; the guidelines allow these applications to proceed at the same time.
The guidelines do not describe who may sign for another person or organization.
When to file Public Event Application – Boston, MA
Submit the application at least thirty (30) days before the proposed event. The guidelines state that non-compliance with this deadline may result in denial of the application.
After you file, the Property Management Department reviews the request and responds to the applicant in writing within ten (10) days. PMD may make further inquiries or ask for additional documentation, so build that time into your plan. Unless there are specific reasons for denial, the request will be approved.
If you also need permits or licenses from other City departments or agencies, you may pursue them at the same time as this request. The form itself prints no expiration date or renewal cycle.
Documents you need
- Insurance certificate, when the Property Management Department requires one: failing to tender the required insurance certificate is a stated reason for denial.
- Any additional documentation the Property Management Department asks for after it reviews your request; the guidelines say PMD may require it.
How to fill out Public Event Application – Boston, MA
Enter the contact person's details
Write the name of the contact person, the billing address, the telephone number and the e-mail address in the fields at the top of the form.
Name the event and its dates
Enter the Name of Event and the Event Date(s). Keep the 30-day advance submission requirement in mind when choosing the date.
Enter the event times
Fill in the Event Start Time and Event End Time, marking a.m. or p.m. for each.
Enter set-up and break-down times
Give the Set-up Date(s), the Set-up Start Time and the Break-down Time, marking a.m. or p.m.
Select the location
Check the box for each venue you are requesting: Faneuil Hall, Samuel Adams Park, City Hall Plaza, City Hall Lobby, the location of and area surrounding the City Hall Flag Poles, or North Stage.
Indicate music needs
Under Will your event require, check Music and, if it applies, DJ or Radio/CD.
Read the guidelines and check completeness
Review the reasons for denial and the venue rules printed with the form. Make sure every field is filled and the application is fully completed and executed, as incomplete applications may be denied.
Review and download the completed PDF
Check names, dates and times, then download or print the completed PDF from FillingPDF and submit it as described under How to submit.
How to submit Public Event Application – Boston, MA
The guidelines name one place to submit the completed form: the Property Management Department, Boston City Hall, Room 811. The form header gives the full address as Boston City Hall, Rm. 811, Boston MA, 02201, and the telephone number 617-635-4100.
- Where to get the form: the guidelines say it is available at boston.gov/departments/property-management/how-hold-event-near-city-hall and at the Property Management Department, Boston City Hall, Room 811.
- Where to submit it: Property Management Department, Boston City Hall, Room 811.
- Timing: it must be submitted at least thirty (30) days before the event.
- After filing: PMD responds in writing within ten (10) days and may ask for further information or additional documentation.
The form and guidelines name no other submission channel and mention no fee. For questions, contact PMD at the number on the form. FillingPDF lets you fill out and download the PDF; submission follows the channels above.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Submitting the application fewer than thirty (30) days before the event; the guidelines say this may result in denial.
- Sending an application that is not fully completed and executed, which is a listed reason for denial.
- Failing to tender the required insurance certificate when one is required.
- Giving false or misleading details about the nature or scope of the event; a material falsehood or misrepresentation is a reason for denial.
- Assuming PMD approval covers everything: the applicant must obtain permits and licenses from other departments, and PMD approval may be revoked if they are not obtained.
- Requesting a venue and time already granted to an earlier applicant or already planned by the City; the City may propose an alternative space instead.
- Applying while the applicant has unpaid damage to City property or other outstanding debts to the City of Boston.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Boston Public Event Application used for?
It is the City of Boston form for asking the Property Management Department for permission to hold a public event at Faneuil Hall, Sam Adams Park, City Hall Plaza, the City Hall Lobby, North Stage or the City Hall Flag Poles location.
How far in advance do I have to apply for an event near Boston City Hall?
At least thirty (30) days before the proposed event. The guidelines printed with the form say that non-compliance may result in denial of the application, so submit early.
Where do I submit the City Hall and Faneuil Hall event application?
Submit it to the Property Management Department, Boston City Hall, Room 811, Boston MA 02201. The form lists the department's phone number as 617-635-4100 and names no other submission channel.
How long does the City take to answer an event application?
The Property Management Department responds in writing within ten (10) days. It may ask further questions or require additional documentation, and unless there are specific reasons for denial the request will be approved.
Why could my Boston event application be denied?
Reasons include a use prohibited by law, a conflicting prior permit or City program, danger to health or safety, an incomplete or unexecuted application, a missing insurance certificate, a material falsehood, or unpaid damage or debts owed to the City.
Is approval from Property Management enough to hold my event?
No. You must obtain all permits and licenses required by other City departments and agencies, and you may pursue them at the same time. PMD's approval may be revoked if you fail to obtain them.
Will I have to meet with the Special Events Committee?
Possibly. For events at Sam Adams Park, City Hall Plaza, the City Hall Lobby, North Stage or the Flag Poles area, the applicant may be directed to complete a Public Event Application and meet with the City of Boston Special Events Committee.
Can I fill out the Boston event application online on FillingPDF?
You can fill out the PDF online on FillingPDF and download or print it. FillingPDF is independent of the City of Boston and does not submit the application; you deliver it to the Property Management Department yourself.
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