Us Code § 503 - Use of reservations, grounds, and public spaces

Full text of Us Code United States Code § 503 — Use of reservations, grounds, and public spaces, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 503. Use of reservations, grounds, and public spaces

(a) Permit for Use.—With the approval of the officer having jurisdiction over any of the Federal reservations or grounds in the District of Columbia, the Secretary of the Interior may grant to the Inaugural Committee a permit to use the reservations or grounds during the inaugural period, including a reasonable time before and after the inaugural period. The Mayor of the District of Columbia may grant a similar permit to use public space under the Mayor's jurisdiction. Each permit granted under this subsection is subject to conditions the grantor of the permit prescribes.

(b) Reviewing Stands and Commercial Stands and Structures.—A reviewing stand or a stand or structure for the sale of merchandise, food, or drink may be built on public grounds in the District of Columbia only if approved by the Inaugural Committee and by the Secretary or the Mayor, as appropriate.

(c) Restoration After Inaugural Period.—After the inaugural period, the reservation, ground, or public space occupied by a stand or structure shall be restored promptly to its prior condition.

(d) Indemnification.—The Inaugural Committee shall indemnify and save harmless the District of Columbia and the appropriate department, agency, or instrumentality of the United States Government against any loss or damage to, and against any liability arising from the use of, the reservation, ground, or public space, by the Inaugural Committee or a licensee of the Inaugural Committee.

(Pub. L. 105–225, Aug. 12, 1998, 112 Stat. 1264.)

Historical and Revision Notes
Revised

Section

Source (U.S. Code)Source (Statutes at Large)
503(a) 36:724 (1st, 2d sentences). Aug. 6, 1956, ch. 974, §4, 70 Stat. 1049.
  36:730. Aug. 6, 1956, ch. 974, §10, as added Jan. 30, 1968, Pub. L. 90–251, §4, 82 Stat. 4.
503(b) 36:724 (3d sentence).

36:730.
503(c) 36:724 (4th sentence).  
503(d) 36:724 (last sentence).  

In subsection (a), the words "restrictions, terms, and" are omitted as unnecessary. The word "prescribes" is substituted for "imposed" for consistency in the revised title and with other titles of the United States Code.

In subsection (b), the words "With respect to public space", "goods, wares", "sidewalk, street, park, reservation, or other", and "depending on the location of such stand or structure" are omitted as unnecessary.

In subsection (d), the words "department, agency, or instrumentality" are substituted for "agency" for consistency in the revised title and with other titles of the United States Code. The words "or agencies" are omitted because of 1:1.

About This Section

36 U.S.C. § 503 is part of Title 36 of the United States Code. The United States Code is the official codification of federal statutes maintained by the Office of the Law Revision Counsel of the U.S. House of Representatives. Congress amends the Code through new public laws, which are eventually incorporated into the relevant title.

This section may be cited in legal writing as 36 U.S.C. § 503. For the most current official text, including any recent amendments, use the official source links below. Do not rely on this page as the sole authority for legal citation or litigation.

How to Read This Statute

Statutes are organized by title, chapter, section, and subsection. Pay attention to words like "shall," "may," "and," and "or," because they determine whether a requirement is mandatory or permissive and whether multiple conditions must all be met. Historical notes and amendments often appear at the end of a section.

Using This Page

This page is intended for research and educational use. Lawyers, students, journalists, and compliance professionals can use it as a starting point, but should always verify the current text through an official government source before relying on it for legal advice, filings, or compliance decisions.

Sources

Related Us Code Legal Topics

Frequently Asked Questions About Us Code § 503

What does United States Code § 503 cover?

Section 503 ("Use of reservations, grounds, and public spaces") is part of the United States Code, the codified statutory law of Us Code. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Us Code § 503?

A common citation format is "United States Code § 503" (Us Code). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Us Code law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Us Code official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Us Code attorney.

How does Us Code § 503 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Us Code can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Us Code.