Pennsylvania Code › Title 4 - ADMINISTRATION › Part III - DEPARTMENT OF GENERAL SERVICES › Subpart F - COMMONWEALTH BUILDINGS › Chapter 86 - USE OF THE PUBLIC AREAS OF THE CAPITOL COMPLEX-STATEMENT OF POLICY › Section 86.5 - Policy governing the exterior public areas of the Capitol Complex

Current through Register Vol. 54, No. 28, July 13, 2024
In its administration, operation and preservation of the
					 Capitol Complex, the policy of the Department relating to the public use of the
					 exterior public areas of the Capitol Complex will be as stated in this
					 section.
(1)
Hours
.
				  To maintain the security, safety and aesthetic appearance of the Capitol,
				  Capitol grounds and the Capitol Complex, and to provide for regular
				  maintenance, improvements or alterations, scheduled events or exhibits on the
				  Capitol grounds shall occur only between the hours of 6 a.m. and 8 p.m. on a
				  daily basis, and may not block any entrance or exit of the building or impede
				  free access to the building by its occupants, the public or emergency
				  apparatus. When either house of the Legislature or a Legislative committee is
				  in session prior to 6 a.m. or after 8 p.m., the grounds shall be open with the
				  commencement of the session and closed 2 hours after adjournment of the Senate,
				  House of Representatives or Legislative committee.
(2)
Damage to Commonwealth
				  property
. Defacing or damaging in any manner the Capitol grounds,
				  including (without limitation) trees, shrubbery, flowers, lawns, sidewalks,
				  fences, lighting fixtures, light wells, fire hydrants, benches, statues,
				  monuments, plaques and subterranean features that are necessary for the
				  maintenance and operation of the Capitol (such as lawn sprinkler systems, sewer
				  and water mains, electrical conduit, and the like), or any other feature is not
				  allowed. Likewise, defacing or damaging the exterior walls and surfaces of the
				  building, including the entrances, porches and staircases, is not
				  allowed.
(3)
Limitations
				  applicable to certain Commonwealth property
. Stepping or climbing upon
				  statues, monuments, fences, lighting fixtures, light wells, trees or parts of
				  the buildings and grounds within the Capitol Complex not intended for these
				  purposes is not allowed.
(4)
Demonstrations and leafleting
. Picketing, demonstrations and
				  the distribution of literature may not impede or interfere with Commonwealth
				  business or public access to and use of the buildings within the Capitol
				  Complex. To inform individuals and organizations of the procedures for the use
				  of public areas of the buildings within the Capitol Complex and grounds, it is
				  recommended, but not required, that individuals and organizations desiring to
				  distribute literature on the Capitol Complex grounds inform the Secretary of
				  the date and time of the planned activity. To ensure the unimpeded conduct of
				  public business, unobstructed access to the buildings within the Capitol
				  Complex for occupants and the public, and to maintain the Capitol grounds, the
				  Secretary may designate specific areas of the grounds for picketing and the
				  distribution of literature. The Secretary's criteria for making designations
				  will apply equally to all activities regardless of the content of any
				  communications. Individuals distributing literature shall remove all discarded
				  items from the grounds at the conclusion of their activity.
(5)
Driving stakes or other items
				  into the ground prohibited
. Due to the presence of underground
				  utility, electrical and drainage lines, signs or banners may not be driven into
				  the ground, nor may they be supported in or by any tree, monument or other
				  structure affixed to the Capitol grounds, except as authorized by the
				  Secretary. Signs (excluding disclaimer signs required under §
										86.3(8)(iv) 
				  (relating to policy governing the public areas of the Capitol Complex) or
				  banners supported by freestanding devices) may not be left unattended. An
				  individual shall be stationed within 2 feet of a freestanding sign or banner at
				  all times to prevent damage to the grounds, injury to individuals, and for
				  security reasons.
(6)
Equipment and structures
. Equipment or structures of any kind
				  that are placed on the Capitol grounds in connection with an event or exhibit
				  shall be entirely removed at the conclusion of the event or exhibit, or no
				  later than the time limitations in paragraph (1).
(7)
Alcoholic beverages
.
				  Alcoholic beverages may not be served or consumed in any public area within the
				  Capitol Complex, except with the express permission of the Secretary.
(8)
Camping or sleeping
.
				  Camping or sleeping overnight on grounds within the Capitol Complex is not
				  allowed.
(9)
Structures
.
(i) To maintain
				  the security, safety and aesthetic appearance of the buildings within the
				  Capitol Complex and the Capitol grounds, and to provide for regular
				  maintenance, improvements or alterations, structures erected by an organization
				  (whether for shelter or for any other purpose), as part of a scheduled event or
				  exhibit, shall be removed from the grounds by the time set forth in paragraph
				  (1).
(ii) The size, number and
				  location of structures erected for shelter will be determined by the Secretary
				  based on the physical condition of the grounds and the expected size and nature
				  of the event or exhibit. The Secretary's determination will be stated in
				  writing to the organization scheduling the event or exhibit. Structures erected
				  for the purpose of shelter, such as tents for first aid or lost children may
				  not be used for habitation.
(iii)
				  Structures for a scheduled event or exhibit, for purposes other than shelter,
				  shall be limited in number to one and in size to 3 feet x 3 feet x 3 feet, and
				  may not be capable of habitation. The Secretary will designate specified areas
				  of the Capitol grounds for the location of structures of this kind. The
				  Secretary's criteria for determining location will apply equally to all
				  structures.