Permit Planning Resources

There are many laws, regulations, and rules that apply to land administered by the National Park Service. Listed are some of the most common resources used for conducting permitted activities on the National Mall and Memorial Parks. Permit specialists from the Division of Permits Management provide additional resources and guidance to assist applicants for specific kinds of activities during the permitting process.

Applications

Application for a Permit to Conduct a Demonstration or Special Event: This application is used for the majority of permitted activities in the parks including First Amendment-related activities, unless another application is required for a type of activity specified below.

Special Use Permit Application: This application is used primarily for weddings and organized sports (except for running or bicycling events and tournaments).

Photography Application (short form): This application is used for the majority of commercial filming and/or photography.

Recreation.gov: This system is used to reserve picnic areas on Hains Point in East Potomac Park and Parkway Drive Volleyball Courts.

Laws and Policies

• 36 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) 7.96 includes federal regulations for permitted activities on DC area national parkland.
• Superintendent's Compendium supplements 36 CFR with park-specific regulations.
• Secretary's Order No. 3326: Management and Protection of the National Mall and its Historic Landscape is an order by the Secretary of the Interior providing policy guidance for a multi-phase restoration project of the National Mall's historic landscape.

Planning Guides and Manuals

• National Capital Area Events Guidelines is a detailed reference of rules for having a special event at National Mall and Memorial Parks and other National Park Service parkland in the greater Washington, DC area. This section is specific to the Washington DC area parks and does not apply to other National Park Service sites.

• Turf Management and Event Operations Guide for the National Mall and Memorial Parks is a comprehensive manual for steps required during special events to preserve the green spaces of the parks for park visitors and future event holders.
• National Capital Area Fire and Life Safety Requirements for Outdoor Events and Tent Use is a guide for meeting fire and safety requirements if using a tent for a special event on parkland.

• National Mall and Memorial Parks Parking Metered Areas Map is a visual reference of the locations on the National Mall and Memorial Parks that require a parking fee. Street parking and public parking garages are also available outside of parkland.

 

QUICKLINKS

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  Permits

  Get more information about permits for special activities, First Amendment demonstrations, and commercial filming and photography.

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  Permit Office Contact Information

  Find contact information for the National Mall and Memorial Parks’ Division of Permits Management and neighboring parks.

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  Park Management

  Learn more about management of the National Mall and Memorial Parks, including laws, policies, and regulations.