Temporary Place of Assembly (TPA) Permits

Pop-up shops, product launches, fashion presentations and corporate receptions often bring more people into a space than it normally holds. In New York City, a gathering of 75 or more people indoors, or 200 or more outdoors, generally requires a Temporary Place of Assembly Certificate of Operation (TPACO) from the Department of Buildings, even when the space already has a valid Certificate of Occupancy for its everyday use.

At SUFFIX ARCHITECT, we handle TPA filings as a coordinated architectural and compliance process, not just an online form. We review the existing Certificate of Occupancy and DOB records, confirm the total occupant load including event staff, and prepare event plans showing the layout, exits, exit access and any temporary installations, so the application reflects what will actually be set up on the day.

Because we file with DOB in-house, we submit the application through DOB NOW: Build, respond directly to any objections, and flag additional approvals early, such as separate work permits for stages, platforms or tents. Timing matters: city guidance asks for the request at least 10 business days before the event, with added fees for later filings and no guarantee of processing when filed three business days or less before the event.

If you have an event date, a venue and an expected headcount, we can review your space and tell you what the filing involves and how long it realistically takes. For a deeper look at the most common causes of delay, see our guide: NYC TPA Filing Delays: How to Get Your Temporary Place of Assembly Certificate.