Brooklyn since 2014All five boroughsSame-day response during business hours

What is NYC RCNY § 1-03?

Quick Answer

(a) Hours of operation. (1) Persons may enter and use the parks from 6:00 a.m.

General informational summary. Not legal advice for your situation. Consult an attorney before acting on any specific matter.

Michael Nacmias - Founding PartnerMichael Sargo - Partner
From the team atNacmias Law Firm, PLLCBrooklyn-based attorneys representingproperty owners across all five boroughsMeet the team →
Effective: 6/13/2017Last amended: 6/13/2017

§ 1-03 General Provisions.

RCNY § 1-03

(a)Hours of operation.

(1)Persons may enter and use the parks from 6:00 a.m. until 1:00 a.m. unless other open hours are posted at any park.

(2)Whenever a threat to public health or safety exists in any park resulting from any natural cause, explosion, accident or any other cause, or by riot or unlawful assembly or activity, the Commissioner may close the park or any part thereof to the public for such duration as he deems necessary to ensure the safety and well-being of the public.

(3)No person shall enter or remain in any park without the permission of the Commissioner when such park is closed to the public.

(b)Permits.

(4)The Commissioner may require the permittee to post a bond in an amount sufficient to ensure full compliance with the terms and conditions of the permit. The decision of whether to require a bond will be based on the following factors: (a) The location of the event and such location's vulnerability to damage; (b) Whether the event or any activities associated with the event present a high risk of property damage; (c) The number of people expected to be in attendance; (d) The type of equipment to be brought onto the site; (e) The number of days the permittee will occupy the site; (f) The season in which the event will take place.

(5)The Commissioner may require the permittee to obtain personal liability insurance for the event, naming the City of New York as an additional insured. The decision on whether to require insurance will be based on the following factors: (a) Whether the special event or any activities included as part of the special event present a risk of personal injury or property damage; (b) Whether the special event involves the sale of food; (c) Whether the special event involves over 2,000 participants, or a large number of participants relative to the size of the site; (d) Whether the special event involves transportation and installation of heavy equipment, or the installation of a stage or other temporary structure.

(6)No person shall conduct any activity for which a permit is required unless (a) such permit has been issued; (b) all terms and conditions of such permit have been or are being complied with; and (c) the permit is kept on hand at the event, so as to be available for inspection by Police or Department employees.

(7)Failure to comply with the terms and conditions of any permit shall be a violation of these rules. If, upon expiration or termination of the permit, it is determined that a permittee has not complied with the terms and conditions of the permit, or has violated any law, ordinance, statute or rule, then the following rules shall apply: (i) any bond provided as security for a permittee's performance with the Department shall be forfeited and retained by the City to the extent necessary to remedy, or compensate the City for, the damages caused by such acts, omissions, or violations; (ii) the permittee, together with his or her agents and employees who violated such terms and conditions or provisions of law, ordinance, statute or rule, shall be jointly and severally liable for any additional sum necessary to correct or compensate the City for such damages; and (iii) neither forfeiture of any security nor payment nor recovery for such damages shall in any way relieve the permittee of civil or criminal liability arising from the violation of any law, ordinance or rule.

(c)Failure to Comply with Directions of Police Officers, Urban Park Rangers, Parks Enforcement Patrol Officers, or Other Department Employees, or Park Signs. Violation of any paragraph of this subdivision shall subject the violator to a civil penalty, as specified in the Department's penalty schedule. See 56 RCNY § 1-07. In addition, except as otherwise provided below, such violation shall also constitute an offense (classified as a "violation" under the Penal Law), which can be punished by imprisonment of up to one day or a fine of not more than $200. As specified in this subdivision, certain violations of specified paragraphs of this subdivision are classified by the Administrative Code as misdemeanors. Except as otherwise provided in this subdivision, a misdemeanor can be punished by imprisonment of up to 20 days or a fine of not more than $1,000. Note that other laws, including but not limited to the Penal Law, may also apply to the conduct described below.

Common Questions

Our team

Meet the people you will work with

Free case review

Have a matter that touches § 1-03?

Free 15-minute case review with the attorney handling your matter. Same-day response during business hours across all five boroughs — OATH hearings, Housing Court, and real estate closings.

Or email us

[email protected]

An attorney reads every message.

  • Same-day response

    During business hours

  • Direct attorney access

    Same lawyer from intake to close

  • Flat-fee pricing

    On most OATH and closing matters