Special Use Permit 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.

Cost Recovery

Cost Recovery is charged at a dollar-in dollar-out ratio to the permittee, meaning whatever the cost is to the NPS to manage the permit is the exact cost that will be charged to the permittee. For permits that require park staff to monitor the permits, this price will be the hourly rate of the park staff. For planning purposes, the park recommends permittees plan for an estimated cost of $50 per ranger per hour.

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.

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.

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, Hampton National Historic Site, 535 Hampton Lane, Towson, MD 21286.

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.