SPECIAL EVENT POLICY & GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS: PURPOSE

Special events are largely beneficial to the community; however, assemblies or organized events that are anticipated to or are likely to attract a large number of people can adversely affect the well-being of Village residents and business owners. Large assemblies or events on public and private properties can disturb nearby residents in the peaceful enjoyment of their homes and property, interfere with the general public's normal use of highways and other municipal facilities, and be harmful to public safety and welfare. Large assemblages of people often result in the need for some control over traffic and parking, and can cause a strain on police and other municipal services. In an effort to provide for the well-being of the community, the Village Board of Trustees has established procedures whereby the Village can be informed in advance of assemblies and special events and can assure that such assemblies and events, if appropriate under the Village Code and the Constitution of the State of New York, can be accommodated without unduly burdening the community or the resources of the Village of Ossining, or unreasonably impacting or restricting the use of Village resources by other Village residents.

The Village of Ossining issues special event permits only for the portions of a special event venue and related event components located within the Village of Ossining that a) incorporate the use of public streets, sidewalks, right-of-ways, Village public parks or other Village public property (for example, a Village-owned parking lot used as part of a festival venue), or b) happen on private property and either affect public property or require Village support services. Examples of special events include festivals, parades, runs/walks, and other planned group activities that require the coordination of several Village departments for activities including, but not limited to, the sale of alcohol, on-site cooking, food sale, street closures, and placement of temporary structures such as tents and stages. The Village of Ossining does not issue special event permits for the portions of a special event venue that are the responsibility of other jurisdictions.

A special event permit application is required for any temporary gathering, demonstration, performance, exhibition, amusement, or activity that is conducted or sponsored by a person, organization, entity, or association other than the Village of Ossining proposed to be held on public property or on private property but affecting public property or requiring Village support services, including, but not limited to, carnivals, circuses, fairs, bazaars, outdoor shows and concerts, parades, religious processions, walks, runs, marathons, bicycle races, which may involve one or more of the following:

  • Alcohol will be served or sold (to the public)
  • Entertainment/amplified sound
  • Vendors selling food, products, or wares
  • Carnival games/amusement rides
  • Street or sidewalk closure is required
  • Traffic control is needed
  • Tent canopies or awnings over 400 square feet will be used
  • Temporary structures, i.e.: stages
  • Requires Village services (i.e.: Parks, DPW, Police)