State House

If you wish to have an activity on the State House grounds, Capitol Park, or on any State-owned or controlled property in the Capitol Area, you must apply for an Activity Permit.  An application for an Activity Permit may be denied if it is filed less than three (3) working days prior to the start of the proposed activity, even if it would otherwise comply with the standards and guidelines. 

The person who holds the permit must be at the event for its duration.

No weapon of any kind and no sign, poster, or banner on a stake(s) can be brought onto the grounds in the Capitol Area.

There are normally no fees for Activity Permits except for activities planned in Capitol Park. Capitol Park is a picturesque location for weddings, picnics, and gatherings large and small. There may be fees associated with using the Park, depending on the planned activity and the size of the gathering. Depending on the size and duration of your event, you may need to rent portable toilets. You may also be required to provide a certificate of insurance covering the planned event and might need to pay a security deposit.

Organized activities are not allowed on the east side of the State House (on the Capitol's front steps) because that area is not accessible to people with disabilities.

Activity Permits for Drones: We must receive your activity permit application and a copy of your drone operator license at least 2 weeks before your requested date. We will contact you to let you know if your application was preliminarily approved, at which point you are required to obtain an FAA permit to fly on that date. You must submit the written FAA approval one week prior to your activity permit date, at which time we will process your request.  

Activity Permit Application (PDF)

Please be advised:

  • Vehicles are not allowed on the grass of CapitolPark or the lawns around State buildings in the Capitol Area. 
  • No overnight camping is allowed in CapitolPark or on the grounds of State buildings in the Capitol Area.
  • The Legislative Council has a policy covering the use of CapitolPark, and they require payment of a fee for some permits.  The fee is dependent on the planned use.   
  • The renting of portable toilets may be required for large or extended activities. 
  • Any BBQ grills or other authorized cooking facilities must be manned by an adult at all times, and fire extinguishers must be nearby.  Any tents permitted must be fire-rated.
  • If the event involves the selling or giving away of food, or the use of any energy source, (i.e.: electricity, propane, gasoline, black powder) a certificate of insurance may be required.  For large events, we may need a specific policy covering the organization.  For small events, a homeowners’ policy rider may be sufficient.   
  • A security deposit of $250 per 500 persons attending, or the posting of a security bond, may be required for gatherings of over 200 people.   The security deposit or security bond will be applied against any damage or clean-up costs associated with the event.

 

CONDITIONS AND RESTRICTIONS:

The permit, if issued, will authorize the applicant/permittee, and the organization which he/she represents, to engage only in the activity described in the permit and only at the location(s) specified in the permit. No weapon of any kind and no sign, poster or banner on a stake(s) can be brought onto the grounds in the Capitol Area. The responsibility for the supervision of this activity is the obligation of the applicant as is the responsibility for cleaning up the area at the conclusion of the activity.  These activities will be non-intrusive and will cause no damage to turf, shrubs, trees or other public property.  The applicant is responsible for any and all damage and any clean-up costs. Dependent on the location and activity requested, other conditions or restrictions may be imposed as required by policy or as needed for public safety purposes.

 

Unless all of the fields in this application are completed, there may be a delay in processing your request. 

By signing below, you are acknowledging that you understand and agree to the conditions and restrictions listed above:

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