Public Demonstration Permits

Freedom of speech and association are among those precious rights guaranteed and protected by the United States and Pennsylvania Constitutions. The law gives the City the ability to balance those rights with its interests in protecting its citizens and preserving City and public property. As a municipal government, the City may enact content-neutral restrictions on the time, place, and manner of such expression in order to promote such significant government interests.

All organizers of Public Demonstrations are encouraged to apply for Public Demonstration permits from the Office of Film & Event Management as it adds legitimacy to the event and allows Public Safety officials to review plans and ensure that attendees are able to express their first amendment rights in the safest way possible. Permits for Public Demonstrations shall be issued on a content-neutral basis to the extent required by law. They shall be evaluated no later than two (2) business days from the receipt of a completed application where such First Amendment Activity is intended to respond to current events and depends for its value on a timely response. The evaluation shall contain only such restrictions on time, place, and manner that are reasonably related to the City's significant interests.

Press conferences or public announcements wishing to use the City-County Building Portico should submit a Public Demonstration application to reserve the space.

To qualify as a Public Demonstration an application must meet the following criteria:

  • The event’s purpose is about public issue speech.
  • The event will not involve any food or alcohol sale or consumption.
  • No admission will be charged, nothing will be sold, and no donations will be solicited.
  • The event will not include setting up any tents, tables, or structures.
  • The event does not need exclusive access to the location.

If the proposed event does not meet the criteria above, it is not eligible for this type of permit and will need to apply for a Special Event Permit, including adherence to all applicable deadlines and costs.

Please email ofem@pittsburghpa.gov for any questions or clarification.

LAUNCH EPROVAL APPLICATION

last updated: 10/23/2025

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