Commercial Use Authorizations

What is a Commercial Use Authorization?

A Commercial Use Authorization (CUA) is a business permit with the National Park Service that authorizes an individual, group, company, or other for-profit entity to conduct commercial activities and provide specific visitor services within a national park area. The National Park Service will only issue CUAs for commercial activities and visitor services that: 

• Are determined to be an appropriate use of the National Parks of Philadelphia, which include the following sites: Independence National Historical Park, Edgar Allan Poe National Historic Site, Thaddeus Kosciuszko National Memorial, and Gloria Dei Church National Historic Site
• Will have minimal impact on the National Parks of Philadelphia’s resources and values; and 
• Are consistent with the National Parks of Philadelphia’s purpose, management plans, policies, and regulations. 

A CUA may be required if you, as an individual, organization, or company, provide any goods, activities, services, agreements, or other function for members, clients, or the public that:

• take place at least in part of the National Parks of Philadelphia
• use park resources 
• result in compensation, monetary gain, benefit, or profit. 

The following services require CUAs in the National Parks of Philadelphia

Provide commercial tour services that involve guiding tour groups on park property. This includes offering guided tours on park property, or just escorting individuals or groups from site to site.

How do I apply for a CUA? 

• The NPS is excited to announce the development and deployment of the online CUA system, Home - Commercial Use Authorization. The system is designed to standardize, modernize, and streamline the CUA application and reporting process. The system allows potential CUA applicants and CUA holders to view available CUA opportunities, apply for CUAs, submit required CUA reports, and pay CUA fees.
• Watch this tutorial covering the step-by-step process on how to apply for a CUA at any National Park.

What are the CUA reporting requirements?

CUA holders must submit an annual report via the online CUA system each year by January 31 for the operations that occurred during the preceding year. This report provides the park with visitation statistics, reportable injury data, and a record of annual gross receipts. 

• Failure to submit the required reports or misrepresentation of statistics or earnings may result in the inability to submit subsequent CUA applications via the online CUA system or the suspension of active CUAs.

Need to contact us?

For more information, please contact the Special Park Use Coordinator at (215) 597- 9205 or email at: [e-mail].