Capitol and grounds exhibit and event guidelines

CAPITOL AND GROUNDS
Exhibit and Event
Guidelines
Georgia Building Authority Support Services
One Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive, Atlanta, Georgia 30334 404-657-7407

CAPITOL AND GROUNDS EXHIBIT AND EVENT GUIDELINES

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Table of Contents
1.0 OVERVIEW ................................................................................................................................................................ 3 1.1 Governing Authority .......................................................................................................................................................... 3
2.0 PUBLIC USE OF CAPITOL ............................................................................................................................................ 3 2.1 General Guidelines ............................................................................................................................................................ 3 2.2 Equipment and Utilities ..................................................................................................................................................... 4 2.3 Liability Insurance.............................................................................................................................................................. 4 2.4 Use of Interior Public Areas ............................................................................................................................................... 5 2.5 Use of Outdoor Public Areas ............................................................................................................................................. 5
3.0 COORDINATING AN EVENT OR EXHIBIT...................................................................................................................... 6 3.1 Reserving Space at the Capitol........................................................................................................................................... 6
Assembly Form ................................................................................................................................................ Appendix A Awareness Statement.......................................................................................................................................Appendix B

CAPITOL AND GROUNDS EXHIBIT AND EVENT GUIDELINES

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SECTION 1.0 OVERVIEW
The Georgia State Capitol building is an architecturally and historically significant facility located in downtown Atlanta and is listed in the National Register of Historic Places.
1.1 Governing Authority
These guidelines and restrictions are provided to govern the use of the State Capitol building and grounds. The Office of the Secretary of State maintains the Georgia Capitol Museum and conducts tours of the Capitol.
Permitted temporary uses of the Capitol are conditioned upon acceptance and compliance with these guidelines and payment of applicable fees. A person who refuses to adhere to these conditions is subject to criminal penalties provided by law and to immediate removal from the Capitol building and grounds.
By using the State Capitol, sponsoring organizations release the State of Georgia, GBA, its members, officers, agents, and employees against any and all damages, claims, or other liabilities due to personal injury or death, or damage to or loss of property to others, arising out of the temporary use of any State facility, except to the extent of the sole negligence of the Authority.
The Capitol Police (a Division of the Georgia State Patrol) or Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) may suspend or modify these guidelines and adopt temporary emergency guidelines as needed.
SECTION 2.0 PUBLIC USE OF THE CAPITOL
2.1 General Guidelines
The Georgia Capitol is the State's legislative center and provides a location for special events, exhibits and occasions. The public areas of the Capitol may be used on a temporary basis for a public or governmental purpose subject to the following rules and restrictions:
1. Official public business by the agencies of the State and branches of State Government shall take precedence over any other requested use of public areas of the Capitol.
2. Priority is given on a first-come, first-served basis, taking into consideration governmental activities and scheduled guided tours. GBA may determine priority in the temporary use of the public areas of the Capitol.
3. Organizations and persons desiring to use the public areas should apply to GBA at least 10 days in advance of the event.
4. No more than one event will be scheduled for the same time on the same day unless space and participant estimates allow.
5. No event or exhibit shall be scheduled for more than five consecutive business days, or for more than 10 business days in any one calendar year.
6. Posting, hanging, or affixing signs, banners, flags, announcements, documents, or decorations on any exterior or interior surface of the Capitol is prohibited. All event items and materials are to be removed. All areas must be returned to their pre-event condition.

CAPITOL AND GROUNDS EXHIBIT AND EVENT GUIDELINES

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7. It is illegal for any person, firm, group, organization, or other entity to beg, panhandle, solicit, or to sell goods, wares, or any other objects or services within the State Capitol or grounds. Exhibits must legibly identify to a reasonable observer their ownership or sponsorship by either a governmental or private organization or persons.
8. The use of sticks/poles are not allowed. Use includes, but is not limited to, attachment to cardboard signs, placards, and flags.
9. Every effort must be made to avoid placing cords and wires in walking areas. In the event this is not possible, all exposed cords or wires should be securely taped down in walking areas.
10. The State of Georgia is not responsible for damage to or loss or theft of exhibits during the period of their installation, display, or removal. The exhibitor acknowledges that no special security is provided to exhibits by Capitol Police.
11. Event organizer is responsible for property damage caused by their activities during an event or exhibit.
12. Defacing or damaging any Capitol property is punishable by law.
13. If candles are to be used in connection with an event, GBA must be notified in advance, and the candles must be in a freestanding holder. No other open flames or ignited materials are permitted.
14. In case of natural disaster, unforeseen emergencies, or threats endangering public safety or health, Capitol Police reserves the right to cancel and/or reschedule events.
15. Limited public parking is available in and around the Capitol Hill area.
2.2 Equipment and Utilities GBA has equipment (i.e., public address system, chairs, tables, and a podium) for use at exhibits or events, and fees are charged for any items, utilities, and labor used for setup/removal. Arrangements for equipment should be made at the time of application.
Persons or organizations using GBA equipment will be responsible for full payment no later than 10 days prior to the event or availability cannot be guaranteed.
Persons or organizations using GBA equipment will be responsible for any damage to or loss of these items.
If equipment is not available from GBA, it shall be provided by the event sponsor at their own expense.
2.3 Liability Insurance
Some activities will be required to provide general commercial insurance coverage.

CAPITOL AND GROUNDS EXHIBIT AND EVENT GUIDELINES

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2.4 Use of Interior Public Areas
The following rules apply to the temporary use of all interior public areas of the Capitol:
1. Events and exhibits will be scheduled only during regular hours of operation: 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. GBA may modify the regular operating hours based upon budgetary, staffing, safety, or weather consideration.
2. The Capitol is closed on all observed holidays as declared by the Governor.
3. For security and public safety purposes, entrance to the Georgia State Capitol is monitored by Capitol Police. Access to the indoor public areas of the Capitol is conditional upon consent to search and inspection.
4. Public areas of the Capitol are located on the second floor in the Rotunda or in the adjacent North and South wings as space allows.
5. Total occupancy of the State Capitol Building cannot exceed the maximum set by the State Fire Marshall of 1,725 persons.
6. Smoking is prohibited in State facilities.
7. Moving GBA furnishings (tables, chairs, podiums,...) is not permitted without prior written approval from GBA.
8. Moving paintings and museum exhibits is not permitted without prior written approval from the Office of the Secretary of State.
9. Helium balloons are not allowed in the indoor public areas of the Capitol.
10. Animals are not allowed in the indoor public areas of the Capitol without approval from GBA. Guide dogs are permitted.
11. Food and beverage shall not be served in the indoor public areas of the Capitol without prior notification to and approval by GBA.
The applicant will specify, in writing, prior to the event or exhibit, the type of food and beverages to be served, the provider of the food services, and the desired service area.
The applicant assumes responsibility for the preparation, service, consumption, and removal of all food, beverages, and waste.
2.5 Use of Outdoor Public Areas
The following rules apply to the temporary uses of all outdoor public areas of the Capitol:
1. The Capitol grounds are open to the public 7 days a week from 6:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.
2. The plaza on the Washington Street side of the Capitol is designated for public speech.
3. Groups wishing to obtain a lane or street closure permit must contact the Special Operations Division of the Atlanta Police Department: (404) 209-5260.

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4. Buses and vans may park on Washington Street in the far right lane.
5. Events are allowed in the public areas by reservation and are subject to the following conditions:
An organization or persons temporarily using the area may provide electrical generators at their own expense.
Access to existing outside electrical outlets may be requested. A fee may be charged by GBA.
No temporary structure may be anchored to the grass or garden areas. Sand bags are acceptable.
Equipment or structures temporarily erected by an organization or persons, as part of an event, shall be removed daily by the time scheduled for the closing of the grounds. Structures are required to comply with the requirements as set forth by the Fire Safety Division of the Insurance Commissioner's Office.
No one shall climb upon the statues, memorials, or other features. No one shall encroach upon the grass and gardens of the grounds.
Camping or sleeping on the Capitol grounds is not allowed.
SECTION 3.0 COORDINATING AN EVENT OR EXHIBIT
3.1 Reserving Space at the Capitol
Requests for reserving use of space in the public areas of the Capitol for events or exhibits must be made to:
Project Coordinator Georgia Building Authority 1 Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive, SW Atlanta, Georgia 30334 404.657.7407
Sponsoring organizations of events or exhibits who wish to reserve space will be required to complete an Assembly Information Form and Awareness Statement.
Applicants must:
1. Submit each request in writing and include the following: Name/address/telephone number of contact person(s) Name of organization Description of planned event or exhibit Date/time and duration requested for event or exhibit Area requested for use Equipment needed (tables, chairs, public address system) Food or beverage information Number of estimated attendees
2. Requests for exhibit space must include a photograph of the proposed exhibit, preferably as it will be displayed. A scale drawing or sketch may be substituted if a photograph is not available. The dimensions of the space required should be indicated, as well as the manner in which the exhibit will be mounted or displayed.

GEORGIA BUILDING AUTHORITY

SAVE FORM

PRINT

ASSEMBLY INFORMATION FORM

CLEAR

_____________________________________________

EVENT INFORMATION:
DATE OF EVENT __________________________________________________________ TIME OF EVENT Beginning _____________________ Ending _____________________

LOCATION (Choose one) PURPOSE (Choose one)

Capitol South Wing

Capitol Rotunda

Capitol North Wing

Capitol ExteriorWashington Street

Other: ______________________________________________________

Press Conference

Rally

Please provide topic: _________________________________________

Musical Performance

Exhibit

Other: ___________________

NUMBER OF PERSONS ATTENDING

(300+ may require street/lane closure) _________ Has street/lane closure been applied for?

Yes

No

WEB ADDRESS (optional) __________________________________________________________ EQUIPMENT NEEDS
_____________________________________________ (Tables, chairs, microphone, podium) __________________________________________________________
ORGANIZATION:
NAME __________________________________________________________
STREET ADDRESS __________________________________________________________
CITY, STATE, ZIP __________________________________________________________ PHONE __________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________

CONTACT PERSON:
NAME __________________________________________________________ STREET ADDRESS __________________________________________________________
CITY, STATE, ZIP __________________________________________________________ E-MAIL ADDRESS __________________________________________________________
PHONE __________________________________________________________ DATE __________________________________________________________

SIGNATURE ______________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________
Please read the Awareness Statement attached to this form. Sign the last page to indicate your acceptance of the guidelines and restrictions for the use of the State Capitol and other State Buildings.
Return all pages to Nancy Negris at the Georgia Building Authority 1 Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive, Atlanta, GA 30334
Phone: 404-657-7407 -- FAX: 770-359-3910 -- Email: nancy.negris@gba.ga.gov

REV 1/15/2013

Georgia State Patrol Special Operations Division P. O. Box 1456 Atlanta, Georgia 30371-2303

Capitol Police Division 404-656-4831 (voice) 404-657-8539 (facsimile) 404-656-3281 (emergency communications)

Awareness Statement Guidelines and Restrictions for the Use of the State Capitol and other State Buildings

To insure a safe, secure event in public spaces of State Buildings, sponsors, organizations, and persons (herein referred to as "requestor(s)") should be aware of certain legal guidelines and restrictions governing the use of state buildings including the State Capitol Building. Specific questions or concerns should be directed to either the Georgia Building Authority (GBA) or the Capitol Police Division unit of the Georgia State Patrol (GSP). Requestor(s) should review and sign then return an original, signed awareness statement to the Georgia Building Authority with the completed request for the use of state building(s). Please understand that the Georgia State Patrol takes its responsibility for the security and safety of individuals in State Buildings seriously.
In addition to the obvious, a discussion of relevant guidelines and restrictions for the use of the State Capitol and other State Buildings would include but not be limited to the following:
Entrance to the State Capitol is contingent on consent to search and metal detector screening (applies also to certain other State Buildings as well). Interference with or circumvention of any security measure(s) is a serious offense and will be prosecuted.
Public access hours for state buildings are typically 7:30 am until 5:00 pm (times may vary; confirm specifics with GBA or GSP). Public access to State Buildings at other than these hours is prohibited.
The use of the capitol building and grounds is limited to departments of state government and to state and national political organizations and for no other purposes unless specifically authorized by law (OCGA 50-9-9(a)).
The Georgia State Patrol and Georgia Bureau of Investigation are authorized and empowered to: deny entrance into or upon any property or building of the state when the person's activities are intended to disrupt or interfere with the normal activities and functions carried on in such property or building or have the potential of violating the security of the personnel therein; deny entrance of any person displaying any sign, banner, placard, poster, or similar device; remove any person from any such property or building when the person's activities interfere with or disrupt the activities and the operations carried on in such property or building or constitute a safety hazard to the property or building or the inhabitants thereof. The authority and power provided in this Code section and Code Section 50-16-15 shall also extend to any property or building utilized by the state or any agency thereof. (OCGA 50-16-14).
It is illegal for any person to disrupt state employees in the performance of their official duties (OCGA 50-9-9(a).

Sponsor Initial Here

Awareness Statement 3-2008.Doc
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It is illegal for any person recklessly or knowingly to commit any act which may reasonably be expected to prevent or disrupt a session or meeting of the Senate or House of Representatives, a joint session thereof, or any meeting of any standing or interim committee, commission, or caucus of members thereof (OCGA 16-11-34.1(a)).
It is illegal for any person to parade, demonstrate, or picket within the state capitol building or any building housing committee offices, committee rooms, or offices of members, officials, or employees of the General Assembly or either house or to utter loud, threatening, or abusive language or engage in any disorderly or disruptive conduct in such buildings or areas (OCGA 16-11-34.1(g)).
It is illegal for any person, firm, group, organization, or other entity to beg, panhandle, solicit, or to sell goods, wares, or any other objects or services within any buildings or on the grounds, sidewalks, or other ways owned by or under the control of the state, its agencies, authorities, commissions, boards, bureaus, or other state entities (OCGA 50-99(b)).
It is illegal for any person to interfere with or obstruct the passage into or from government property (OCGA 16-7-24(b).
It is illegal for any person recklessly or knowingly to commit any act which may reasonably be expected to prevent or disrupt a session or meeting of the Senate or House of Representatives, a joint session thereof, or any meeting of any standing or interim committee, commission, or caucus of members thereof (OCGA 16-11-34.1(a)).
It is illegal for any person to enter, occupy, or remain within the state capitol building or any building housing committee offices, committee rooms, or offices of members, officials, or employees of the General Assembly or either house thereof while in the possession of any firearm, knife designed for the purpose of offense and defense, explosive or incendiary device or compound, bludgeon, metal knuckles, or any other dangerous or deadly weapon, instrument, or device (OCGA 16-11-34.1(b).
It is illegal for any person to obstruct any street, sidewalk, hallway, office, or other passageway in that area designated as Capitol Square by Code Section 50-2-28 or to fail or refuse to remove such obstruction after receiving a reasonable official request or the order of a peace officer to do so (OCGA 16-11-34.1(c).
It is illegal for any person willfully and knowingly to enter or to remain upon the floor of the Senate or the floor of the House of Representatives or within any cloakroom, lobby, or anteroom adjacent to such floor unless such person is authorized to enter or remain upon the floor or within such area (OCGA 16-11-34.1(d).
It is illegal for any person willfully and knowingly to enter or to remain in the gallery of the Senate or the gallery of the House of Representatives in violation of rules governing admission to such gallery adopted by the Senate or the House of Representatives or pursuant to authorization given by such body (OCGA 16-11-34.1(e).
Sponsor Initial Here

Awareness Statement 3-2008.Doc Page 3 of 3 pages
It is illegal for any person willfully and knowingly to enter or to remain in any room, chamber, office, or hallway within the state capitol building or any building housing committee offices, committee rooms, or offices of members, officials, or employees of the General Assembly or either house thereof with intent to disrupt the orderly conduct of official business or to utter loud, threatening, or abusive language or engage in any disorderly or disruptive conduct in such buildings or areas (OCGA 16-11-34.1(f).
Any person violating code section 16-11-34.1 for the first time shall be guilty of a misdemeanor (OCGA 16-11-34.1(h)(1).
Any person violating code section 16-11-34.1 for the second time shall be guilty of a misdemeanor of a high and aggravated nature (OCGA 16-11-34.1(h)(2).
Any person violating code section 16-11-34.1 for the third or any subsequent time shall be guilty of a felony and, upon conviction thereof, shall be punished by imprisonment for not less than one nor more than three years (OCGA 16-11-33.1(h)(3).
On behalf of the requestor(s) named herein, I have reviewed and understand the foregoing guidelines. The requestor(s) agrees to abide by these guidelines and restrictions.

Organization's Printed Name

Sponsor's Printed Name

Sponsor's Signature on Behalf of Requesting Organization

Date

Sponsor Initial Here