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Special Use Permits

What is a Special Event?

Special events are activities such as weddings, memorial services, pageants, spectator attractions, entertainment, ceremonies, automobile/motorcycle club rallies, organized tours or rides, large group camps or rendezvous, which fall under the category of privileges. Special events differ from public assemblies and public meetings in that the latter activities are rights protected by the First Amendment. If the activity is an expression of First Amendment rights, and the group size is less than 25 people, a permit is not required.

Who Needs a Permit?

The authority for the management of special events in a national park site can be found in Title 54, U.S. Code and Title 36, Code of Federal Regulations, 2.50.

2006 National Park Service Management Policies and Director's Order 53 Special Park Uses provide policy guidance for management of special event activities.

The following guidelines are established by the 2006 National Park Service Management Policies as they relate to special event activities within this unit of the National Park Service.

A special park use is 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 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;
• Is not managed under a concession contract.

Special use permits for special events will not be issued, if in the opinion of the Superintendent, the special event will:

• Cause injury or damage to park resources.
• Be contrary to the purposes for which the park was established, or unreasonably impair the atmosphere of peace and tranquility maintained in wilderness, natural or cultural locations within the park.
• Unreasonably interfere with the interpretive, visitor service, or other program activities, or with administrative activities.
• Substantially impair the operation of public facilities or services of NPS concessionaire or contractors.
• Present a clear and present danger to public health and safety.
• Result in significant conflict with other existing uses.

How Do I Apply for a Permit?

All applications will be handled in the order they are received. Standard requests are processed in 30 business days. Requests that involve multiple locations, complex logistics, and coordination with other NPS divisions or visitor activities may require a longer process time. Permits for projects that need additional environmental compliance will also take a longer time to process.

The application fee is $75. Additional fees for monitoring or other cost recovery may be charged if the permit is approved.

Application Forms

Form 10-930 Application for Special Use Permit