Alcohol Use
- To include alcohol at an event, an Idaho Licensed Caterer is required. In addition, the caterer serving alcohol must always secure and display an ALCOHOL BEVERAGE CATERING PERMIT from the Boise City Clerk’s Office during the event. For more information call (208) 972-8150.
- Individuals under the age of twenty-one (21) years of age will not be allowed to consume or possess any alcohol.
- The applicant will be responsible for the actions of the participants and is required to be present during the entire time alcohol is being served. Should the applicant leave the area while alcohol is present for any purpose, the permit is revoked: no security deposit refund will be issued.
- Alcohol is to remain within the Boise Depot’s Great Hall area, unless the Depot Plaza is also rented. Alcohol will then be allowed in a controlled area within the Plaza.
- All alcohol distribution must cease one hour prior to the end time of the event.
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Amplified Sound
- Amplified sound may not exceed 75 decibels inside the Great Hall.
- Amplified sound on the Depot Plaza may not exceed 62 decibels measured at 20 feet from private radios, stereophonic or sound amplification devices, except as authorized by written permit.
- All amplified sound on the Depot Plaza must end at 10 PM.
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Benches & Newsstand
- Benches cannot be moved.
- A protective cover (tablecloth, etc.) must be used at all times to protect the benches and newsstand counter.
- The Newsstand windows are to remain open at all times.
- Items in the Newsstand are for display only. Touching or moving these items is prohibited.
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Canopy, Tent and Awnings
Contact the Boise City Fire Department’s Fire Code Enforcement at (208) 570-6572 to obtain a permit for all canopies, tents, and awnings over 200 sq. ft. per structure.
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Cleanup and Kitchen Use
- Food and/or beverages may only be set up using the kitchen, the Newsstand or the Plaza area. The Bell Tower entrance cannot be used as a food service access. The area around the doorway from the Great Hall to the Bell Tower area must always remain clear.
- Cooking is restricted in the Depot. Open flames are prohibited within the building. However, steam and heating trays are permitted.
- The Great Hall, Depot Plaza, and the Newsstand areas are to be clear of debris, including picking up and wiping any spills from food and drink, and removing trash (see section on Trash and Recycling).
- After the event, the event organizer must ensure the Depot is properly cleaned. The organizer will be provided a checklist to adhere to and follow.
- A security deposit is returned only if the Depot is left cleaned, undamaged, and orderly, without trash or debris.
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Decorations
- All decorations must be free-standing. Tape, tacks, staples, and poster putty are all prohibited. Gaffer tape may be used.
- Extension cords must be secured to the floor using a non-residue tape.
- Helium and Mylar balloons are prohibited. Air-filled balloon arrangements are permitted.
- Fog machines are prohibited.
- Real flowers are restricted to bouquet and centerpieces only.
- Confetti, bubbles, bird seed, popcorn, rice and flower petals are prohibited.
- Sparklers or open flame decorations are not allowed. All candles must be battery operated. Exception: a unity candle may be used only during the wedding ceremony.
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Deposits, Refunds and Cancellations
Please review our complete fee schedule.
- An initial payment of $300 is due when the reservation is made.
- Final payment is due 60 days prior to the scheduled event.
- Security deposit refunds will be issued within 30 days after the event, providing the Depot policies have been met.
- Reservations cancelled after the initial payment has been made will be charged a $150 cancellation fee.
- Reservations cancelled within 60 days of the scheduled event will only be refunded the $300 security deposit if the reservation has been paid in full.
- Rescheduling requests must be made 60 days prior to the original event date.
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Equipment Rental
- Boise City shall furnish the customary building, heating, lighting, and air conditioning. The event organizer must provide tables, chairs, and any other décor desired.
- All equipment must be removed at the end of the scheduled event unless special arrangements are made and listed on the facility reservation.
- Scheduled times for equipment pick up are either the ending time of the event or, if pre-arranged, the following morning. The security deposit will not be returned if equipment is left past the event’s agreed-upon scheduled pick up time.
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Facility and Grounds
- Alteration to the Depot or Depot’s property is prohibited.
- Animals are prohibited.
- Driving on the bricks is prohibited.
- BBQs are allowed on the gravel area outside the catering kitchen, four (4) feet away from the bricks and sidewalk.
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Generators and Electrical Power
- Generators are prohibited at the Boise Depot.
- The Great Hall has twelve (12) 110-volt outlets.
- The Depot Plaza has two (2) 110-volt outlets.
- Extension cords cannot be run from the Great Hall to the Depot Plaza area.
- Lights in the Great Hall may be dimmed during an event but may never be completely shut off.
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Insurance
- Liability insurance is required for all events. It is the responsibility of event organizers to maintain a COMPREHENSIVE GENERAL LIABILITY insurance policy with coverage not less than $1,000,000 combined single limit per occurrence.
- Each policy shall be written as a primary policy, not contributing with or in excess of any coverage which the City may carry (a certificate naming the City of Boise as additional insured).
- The adequacy of all insurance required by these provisions shall be subject to approval by the City’s Risk Manager. A copy of the insurance certificate must be submitted with the final payment.
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Parking
- Parking is limited to designated areas and is available on a first come, first served basis. Large events may wish to consider shuttling guests to the event.
- There are 73 parking spaces on Eastover Terrace, which is an Ada County Highway District (ACHD) roadway. Road blockages are not permitted unless the event obtains an ACHD Citizen’s Use Permit and provides additional security.
- Additional parking spaces are available in the gravel area west of “Big Mike,” the locomotive on the north side of the tracks.
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Security
Security staff will be on site for the entire event; they will unlock the Depot, meet the event organizer, and monitor the facility during the event. Security staff are NOT available for set up, take down, or cleaning of any events. Additional security will be assigned when the Depot Plaza and/or Bell Tower are rented.
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Smoking Policy
Smoking is prohibited per Boise City Code.
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Trash / Recycling
- The Depot provides two (2) yellow recycling bins, clear plastic bags, two (2) black bins, black plastic liners and a green dumpster for event use. Please refer to the onsite posters for acceptable recycling items.
- All trash and recyclables MUST be taken to the outside trash or recycling dumpster, located at the east end of the Depot.
- All bags need to be tied and sealed.
- To prevent damage to the bricks, all garbage bags must be transported using the provided hand truck.
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