Permits

Commercial film crew at Hopewell Culture National Historical Park.

NPS / Tom Engberg

Special Park Uses

Certain types of activities require a special use permit. These include many types of organized gatherings, distribution of printed material and other public expressions of opinion, and other activities that are controlled or prohibited. See the information below.

• A special park use is defined as a short-term activity that takes place in a park area, and that:

  • Provides a benefit to an individual, group, or organization rather than the public at large;

  • Requires written authorization and some degree of management control from the National Park Service (NPS) in order to protect park resources and the public interest;

  • Is not prohibited by law or regulation;

  • Is not initiated, sponsored, or conducted by the NPS; and

  • Is not managed under a concession contract, a recreation activity for which the NPS charges a fee, or a lease.

• Read all conditions, guidelines and restrictions.
• Your permit will be created and returned for your signature.
• When received with your signature, your permit will be approved and returned to you.
• For more information, applications and forms contact the Permit Coordinator at 937-352-6757 or e-mail us.

Filming, Photography, and Audio Recording

In most cases, permits and fees are not required for filming, still photography, or audio recording that involves eight or fewer individuals. In order to avoid permit and fee requirements, the filming, still photography, or audio recording must meet all of the following conditions:

• Occurs in areas open to the public;

• Uses hand-carried equipment only;

• Does not require exclusive use of a site;

• Does not adversely impact park resources, values, or other visitors; and

• Is not likely to result in additional administrative costs for the NPS.

• Permits and fees are never required for filming, still photography, or audio recording that is associated with an activity or event that has been authorized under a written instrument (e.g., permit or agreement), such as a wedding, sporting event, demonstration or other activity.
• All filming, still photography, and audio recording is treated the same under the new law. It does not matter whether it is commercial, non-commercial, for content creation, by a student, or conducted by media or for news gathering.
• When a filming, still photography, or audio recording permit is required, the National Park Service will charge location fees and fees to recover its costs to administer the permit, including application fees.
• Individuals and groups conducting filming, still photography, or audio recording remain subject to all other laws and regulations applicable to visitors to park areas, including those requiring permits for certain activities (e.g., special events or demonstrations) and those prohibiting disturbance or other negative impacts to natural or cultural resources.
• Individuals and groups conducting filming, still photography, or audio recording are subject to entrance and/or recreation fees that may apply in park areas even when a permit is not required.

For more information please contact the Permit Coordinator at 937-352-6757 or e-mail us.