Restaurants, bars, lounges, event spaces, gyms and houses of worship that hold 75 or more people indoors (including roof terraces), or 200 or more outdoors, need a Place of Assembly Certificate of Operation (PACO) from the NYC Department of Buildings before they can legally operate at that capacity. It's one of the most common reasons an opening gets delayed at the finish line, because the requirement is set by the space's calculated occupant load, not by how many guests the owner expects.
At SUFFIX ARCHITECT, we treat the Place of Assembly as part of the design from day one. We calculate the occupant load early, lay out seating, bars and egress to meet code, and file the PACO alongside your construction application, so the final construction inspection and the PA inspection can happen together instead of one after the other.
What we handle
Occupant load and code review: we check the existing Certificate of Occupancy, the zoning use group and DOB records to confirm the space can be approved for assembly use.
PA plans: seating and table layouts (a primary layout plus alternates), exits, travel distances, egress widths, emergency lighting, accessibility and life safety plans.
DOB filing in-house: we file the PACO in DOB NOW: Build with the related alteration job, respond directly to plan examiner objections and coordinate the DOB inspection.
FDNY coordination: fire alarm, sprinkler and Fire Protection Plan approvals (a Fire Protection Plan is required at 300 or more occupants), plus the FDNY Place of Assembly permit that follows.
Changes later: new seating plans, a name change or physical alterations to an existing assembly space, which need an amended PACO.
For a 2,200 sq ft bar in Midtown Manhattan, we handled the design, DOB filing, Place of Assembly certification, inspections and sign-off in-house, and the bar was ready to open in about 7.5 months. See the Midtown bar project.
Place of Assembly FAQs
Does my restaurant or bar need a Place of Assembly permit?
If the space's calculated occupant load is 75 or more people indoors (including roof terraces), or 200 or more outdoors, yes. Occupant load is calculated from the floor area and how the space is used, so a restaurant that plans to seat 60 can still trigger PA requirements once standing areas, bar space and staff are counted.
What's the difference between a PACO and a TPA?
A PACO is the ongoing approval for a permanent assembly space such as a restaurant, bar or venue. A Temporary Place of Assembly (TPA) certificate covers a one-time event in a space that isn't approved for that crowd. If you're hosting a pop-up or launch, see our TPA permit services.
How long is a PACO valid?
DOB issues the initial certificate for one year. Within that year the venue receives a Place of Assembly permit from the FDNY, which is renewed each year after the FDNY's annual inspection. The certificate and the posted capacity sign must be displayed in the space.
What if the Certificate of Occupancy doesn't allow assembly use?
Then the use needs to be changed or amended before the PACO can be approved. We review the CO at the start so this is found during design, not at inspection. Our Certificate of Occupancy services cover that process.
When should we bring in an architect?
Before you sign the lease or finalize the layout. Exits, stair widths and sprinklers are much easier to plan for than to add after construction.
Related services and guides
For background on how Place of Assembly approvals work, read our guide to Place of Assembly permits in NYC. Construction work for the space is covered by our DOB permit filing and expediting services, and every project starts with a site visit and feasibility assessment.
Planning a restaurant, bar or venue? Contact us with the address, the size of the space and your target capacity, and we'll tell you what the Place of Assembly filing involves.
