Place of Assembly Certificate of Operation (PACO): New York City restaurant guide

NYC DOB (w/ FDNY)

What it is

Required when 75 or more members of the public gather indoors (or 200+ outdoors) to eat or drink. DOB issues the initial certificate after inspection; FDNY then issues an annual Place of Assembly permit.

When a restaurant needs it

75+ indoor occupant load, or 200+ outdoors.

How to apply

Your architect / engineer files the PA application in DOB NOW: Build; the certificate prints from the system once approved. Then obtain the FDNY Place of Assembly permit.

Documents you’ll need

Approved PA plans
Egress & occupancy calcs
CO
DOB-approved floor/seating plans (for FDNY)

Fee

DOB: Varies — see fee schedule; FDNY Place of Assembly permit: $415 (75–149 occupants), $520 (150–499), $625 (500–999) per NYC Fire Code Appendix A, FC A03.1(3)

Processing time

Varies

Renewal

Annual (FDNY permit renewed after annual inspection)

Who files

The PA application is filed by a Registered Architect or Professional Engineer.

Good to know

The 75 indoor / 200 outdoor thresholds are confirmed on DOB's page, and rooftops or roof terraces 20 feet or more above grade count as INDOOR for this purpose. Below 75, no PA certificate is needed — this threshold often drives the egress design and seat count.

Official source

DOB — Place of Assembly · FDNY — Public Assembly permit

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Last reviewed 2026-10-06. Guidance only, not legal advice.