Special Use Permits FAQs

 

What are Permits?

Permits are written authorization to conduct an activity on land administered by the National Park Service with conditions for using the park that take into consideration safety, resource protection, and normal park visitation.

Why are Permits Required?

At times, the National Park Service requires permits for activities to make sure these activities do not cause unacceptable impacts to a park's natural and cultural resources or unduly interfere with park visitors' access and enjoyment. Permits are generally required by regulation for activities that are organized, not considered part of the regular visitation or intended use of a site, or need to be regulated for any number of reasons.

What Costs are Associated with a Permit?

Application Fee

A nonrefundable application fee of $100.00 must accompany all permit applications. Application fees and cost recovery fees will only be waived on a case by case basis in accordance with Naitonal Park Service policy.

Location Fees

Commercial Filming and Still Photography permits require location fees due to their size and impact on the resource and visitor access to the site. The cost schedule for these permits can be seen by following their links.

How do I Apply for a Permit?

1. If you are interested in applying for a Special Park Use Permit, you MUST fill out the Special Use Permit application. If applying for a commercial filming or still photography permit, please use the Commercial Filming/Still Photography Application.
2. Once a permit application has been completed, e-mail your application to the permitting office: [e-mail]
3. All applications will have a non-refundable $100 application fee associated with them. Payments can be made via credit card or check. In your application e-mail, specify which payment method is preferred.
4. Once an application has been submitted and the application fee has been paid, the permits coordinator will review your application with the park management team to determine whether your permit application will be approved. Please allow at least three weeks for special use permit processing.

Additional Fees and Cost Recovery

Permittees may be responsible for payment of additional administrative costs and other management cost associated with the activity, including monitoring, equipment cost, etc. A use fee may also be required to cover utility or other costs for special use of park buildings or other facilities. An estimate of any additional cost will be provided to the applicant prior to the activity as part of the permit.

Permittees will be billed for any direct costs incurred by the National Park Service because of the event. Staff time for park employees should be budgeted at $50.00 per ranger per hour, but actual costs will be billed after the event. The number of rangers assigned to larger events is at the discretion of the Chief Ranger and the Superintendent. Location and facility use fees are billed separately at around $1 per person, but not more than $700 per use fee. This is below market value in the Baltimore Area to allow for more usage by the taxpayer, while ultimately covering the basic costs of resource protection and care. Any additional fees will be based on resource damage or NPS staff involvement in the event.

Federal procedures (31 USC7701) require your Social Security Number or Tax Identification Number on the back of all checks accepted for deposit in the amount of $50 or more. You must supply one or the other in order for your check to be accepted and your application to be processed.

How long does it take to get a Permit?

Permits require time to process payments, review with the park management team, and write to the specifics of each event. Because of this, permits take about six weeks to process. Applications must be submitted at least six weeks prior to the event.

Where can I park for my event?

The park has limited parking available on site. While some permits are small enough that the park can handle the addtional vehicles without concern, some permits with a large crowd size might take up too much parking to allow the permit to happen without impacting public visitation to the park.

Make sure when applying for a permit to provide as accurate a count as possible for vehicles looking to park on site so the park can determine if the permittee will be required to find alternative parking options.

Will I need insurance for my event?

For most special event permits, a certificate of liability insurance will be required. Proof of insurance is required, and documentation must carry a commercial liability (minimum of $1,000,000) issued by a U.S. company. Insurance certificate must identify the production company by name and business address. "The United States" will be named as "additional insured" on the insurance certificate.

The Certificate Holder is to be listed as:

National Park Service, Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine, 2400 East Fort Ave, Baltimore, MD 21230.

I'm still unsure if I need a permit, how can I ask?

The best way to get in touch with the permits office is to fill out our Permits Inquiry Form that will ask all the questions necessary for the permits office to determine if a permit is required.