Sales Permitting Summary & Guidelines

Pursuant to DC Official Code 39-105(a)(14)(B) “Revenue-generating activity may be conducted by private users only with a permit granted by and at the discretion of the Board and after payment of a fee reasonably determined to cover the costs that will be incurred by the District of Columbia Public Library as a result of the activity”. The Board of Trustees issued authority on November 17, 2021. These guidelines cover the permit process for the sale of goods by eligible private users on DCPL property, pursuant to DC Official Code 39-105(a)(14)(B). Private users may be authorized to sell goods on DCPL property that are aligned with the overall mission of the Library. Examples include, but are not limited to, books and creative works of art, sculptures, handmade crafts, wearable goods, music and traditional consumable fare, flora and fauna sold at farmer’s markets. Prohibited items include, but are not limited to used goods, animals, weapons, explicit sexual material, alcoholic beverages and personal services, such as massages, tax preparation etc.

I. Application Process

1. Where can applicants get a copy of the application?
   1. Interested parties must submit an application, available here: DCPL Sales Permit Application
2. When should application be submitted?
   1. At least thirty (30) days before the requested date or along with their event request 
3. How long does it take for the application to be processed?
   1. DCPL will notify requester of the approval or denial of permit application within fourteen (14) calendar days (excluding holidays) of receipt of application or event request
4. Who processes the applications?
   1. Chief Business Officer for DCPL and/or designee
5. What are the criteria used to approve or reject an application?
   1. The criteria are, but not limited to space availability, products to be sold, number of permits outstanding, frequency of requests
6. When are permit fees due?
   1. Fees are due a minimum of 5 business days in advance of scheduled space use

II. Permit Eligibility

1. The following users are eligible to receive a Permit to sell on DCPL property. They must have a standing agreement in place and be approved by the DCPL permitting process. 
   1. Program Partners – Entities selected by DCPL’s Service Design & Engagement Department and/or Communications Department to provide services to DCPL customers in the form of programming.
   2. Exhibition/Artist/Museum Lender/Curator- Entities selected by DCPL’s Events, Exhibits, & Development Department.
   3. Authors/Bookstores – Persons/Companies selected by DCPL providing services in the form of Author Talks to DCPL patrons.
   4. Performers – Entities selected by DCPL’s Service Design & Engagement and/or Communications Department to provide services to DCPL.
   5. DCPL Event Renters – Individuals/Entities that have contracted with DCPL to hold events at DCPL’s Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Library.
   6. Retail Space Vendors – Individuals/Entities that have been selected by DCPL’s Procurement Department to occupy DCPL’s retail space located at the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Library. 
   7. Farmers Market – Entitles with proper District-issued permitting to conduct Farmer’s Market sales on DCPL property.
2. Those entities that are not eligible through Section A may also be eligible to receive a permit. Those who wish to sell on DCPL property must apply to DCPL Business Operations Department via the DCPL Sales Permit Application.

III. Permit Fees

• Retail Space Vendor - $250 a month start-up fee (may increase to a fee, not to exceed $500 as 
  vendor revenue increases)
• Section II. 1 – Ranges from $30 NTE $50 per performance
• Section II. 1 – NTE $120 for all day (5 or more hours) usage
• Farmer’s Market – Ranges from $80 to $115 per day (based on square footage of space utilization)
• Not for Profit Organizations [501(c)(3)s] - NTE $30 

Proceeds from permits shall be deposited through DCPL’s Office of the Chief Financial Officer into the appropriate revenue generating fund. 

IV. Fee Waivers

Where applicable, fees may be waived or built into the Space Use Agreement for permit receivers that are members of Section II.

V. Spaces Where Sales May Occur

Authorized spaces for the sale of goods include meeting spaces, alcove or foyer spaces and outdoor spaces at neighborhood branch libraries, and meeting room and event spaces at the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library. 

VI. Agreements

1. Each Permit will be issued in conjunction with an Agreement to include, but not limited to the following provisions:
   1. Prohibited Items
   2. Facility Use Standards Etc. 
   3. Payment
   4. Marketing
   5. Indemnification
   6. Insurance Requirements

VII. Permit Duration

1. The term cannot exceed the date and time approved on the application, without written permission from the Chief Business Officer and/or designee.
2. Cancellation and Refunds
   1. The terms of cancellation and refunds will be referenced in the Agreement accompanying the Permit. 

VIII. Compliance With DCPL Rules, Regulations and Applicable Laws

The Permit holder must agree to comply with all laws, rules, policies and regulations, of DCPL, the District of Columbia, and the United States including the DCPL Event Rental Policy as provided, and agrees to explain and provide the rules and regulations to Licensee’s personal representatives.

IX. Marketing/Advertising

The Permit holder must agree that the name and/or logo of DCPL will not be used without prior consent. If the Permit holder wishes to market/advertise/promote this program, approval may be obtained by emailing the Director of Marketing & Communications at tanzi.west-barbour@dc.gov. DCPL shall approve or disapprove such materials within 10 business days. 

Upon execution of this agreement the scope of work will be made available by DCPL on DCPL’s website calendar and may be promoted on flyers within the program’s neighborhood library branch.

X. ADHERENCE TO COVID-19 RULES, REGULATIONS, AND GUIDELINES

The Permit holder must agree to follow all rules, regulations, and guidelines set by DCPL and the District of Columbia as detailed in https://coronavirus.dc.gov and as provided prior to your program by the DCPL. The Presenter understands that due to the nature of the COVID-19 pandemic, health guidelines are updated on an ongoing basis. 

The Permit holder is required to comply with Mayor’s Order 2021-099, COVID-19 Vaccination Certification Requirement for District Government Employees, Contractors, Interns, and Grantees, dated August 10, 2021, and all substantially similar vaccine requirements including any modifications to this Order, unless and until they are rescinded or superseded. At the request of the District government, Contractors may be asked to provide certification of compliance with this requirement and/or documents and records in support of this certification. 

The Permit holder is required to comply with City Administrator’s Order 2021-4, Resumption of Requirement for All Persons to Wear a Mask Inside District Government Buildings and While on Duty as a District Government Employee or Contractor, dated July 30, 2021, and all substantially similar mask requirements including any modifications to this Order, unless and until they are rescinded or superseded.

XI. Certifications Related to the Covid-19 Emergency

The Permit holder certifies that it will comply with both Mayor's Order 2021-099 and City Administrator's Order 2021-04, and any applicable vaccine requirements issued by the District of Columbia government, federal government and DCPL.

XII. Security 

Goods are the responsibility of the permit holder. Special security is not provided by DCPL to the permit holder. 

XIII. Insurance 

DCPL reserves the right to require permit holders to obtain liability insurance, in types and amount required by the District of Columbia and naming the District of Columbia and DCPL as additional insured. 

XIV. Security or Clean-up Plans

Depending on the size and activities of your proposed event, DCPL may require the presence of security personnel and a “clean up” plan. You will be notified by DCPL based the information in your application. 

XV. Assignment 

Permits are not assignable. 

XVI. Payment 

Payments are accepted via cashier’s check, money order or credit card (where applicable). Please make checks payable to the D.C. Treasurer and send to the following address: 

Chief Business Officer 
D.C. Public Library 
901 G. St. NW, 
Suite 301, 
Washington, D.C. 20001