Town of Provincetown
Department of Community Development
Frequently Asked Questions

Regarding the Rental of Town hall

If you plan to rent the Town Hall Auditorium at 260 Commercial Street, Provincetown, you must obtain permission and the proper license. Below are answers to commonly asked questions regarding such licensing?

Question: What is the procedures or steps I need to complete to rent the Auditorium of Town hall?

Answer: 1) File the appropriate forms for permission to use the Town Hall Auditorium and Special Entertainment Licenses.

2) Obtains a certified list of Abutters for the Office of the Town Assessor.

3) Send a certified, return receipt requested notice to all of the abutters. The Licensing Agent will supply the notice after receiving the application.

4) Apply for the proper sign permits for the event from the Department of Regulatory Management.

5) Appear at the next regularly scheduled meeting of the Licensing Board.

(Please start this process early enough (about four weeks minimum) to allow for the notification of abutters and the appearance before the Licensing Board.)

Question: Are there any circumstances under which I would NOT need a Special Entertainment License to use the Auditorium of Town hall?

Answer: Yes. The only time you do NOT need a Special Entertainment License for the Auditorium is if the event is a speaker, forum or meeting with no amplification.

Question: Are there any circumstances under which I would NOT need permission to use the Auditorium of Town hall?

Answer: No. Regardless of the use (workshop, dance, theater performance, etc.) you must get both the permission of the Town Manager to use the Town Hall Auditorium

Question: Can I place posters anywhere I want to advertise my event?

Answer: No. Only in approved places. You cannot put posters on any Telephone/power Company poles or Town owned trashcans. On the premises advertising or decorations must be approved by the Authorizing Officer and is subject to local zoning by-laws, licensing regulations and required permits. A sandwich board is available and by permit, you may be allowed banners or flags. AT NO TIME CAN POSTERS OR ADS BE NAILED, PINNED OR TAPED TO THE TOWN HALL DOORS OR ANY OTHER PART OF THE Town Hall building.

Question: Can I hand out flyers to the public?

Answer: Yes. You must obtain a Solicitors permit from the Police Department that must be displayed at all times then you can hand out flyers on any Town way. You cannot however flyer cars parked on any public way, street or parking lot.

Question: Is there sound and light equipment available or may I bring my own in?

Answer: No, you will need to supply any lighting and sound equipment. There is no sound equipment, in total or in part, available for Town Hall from the Town. You must supply whatever equipment is needed and have the electrical inspector approve the wiring. Please coordinate with the Department of Public Works Custodian for access and needs.

Question: Do I need to have a special police detail?

Answer: Yes, regardless of the type of event, if it a public event, a special detail must be scheduled for the entire time of the event. Arrangements should be made directly with Police Headquarters and confirmed to the Custodian in charge. All details must be scheduled at least 72 hours prior to the event, with payment therefor to be made in advance. Payments for police details are made directly to the Police Department, and are not covered by the rental charge.

Question: How much does it cost to rent the Auditorium?

Answer: Non-Profit Organization - $300 per day (Form 501(3)(c) must be attached to application)

For Profit Organization - $500 per day.

(These fees do not include the mandatory Police Detail, or the mandatory Custodian)

Question: Who do I contact to obtain the necessary forms, schedule an event for the

Auditorium or have any other questions?

Answer: The Provincetown Licensing Agent is in charge of scheduling events for the Town Hall

Auditorium. Please contact the Agent at 508-487-7000 ext. 535.