Special Use Permits

Some activities require a Special Use Permit.

NPS Photo.

Permit Overview at San Antonio Missions National Historical Park

Thank you for your interest in permits at San Antonio Missions National Historical Park including Mission(s) Concepción, San José y San Miguel de Aguayo, San Juan Capistrano, San Francisco de la Espada, and many more park sites.

It is the policy of the National Park Service to allow Special Uses that are not in conflict with law or policy; will not result in derogation of the values and purposes for which the park was established; do not present a threat to public safety or property; and do not unduly interfere with normal park operations, resource protection, or visitor use.

To start the permit process, please submit a Permit Application, by postal mail or email. We can answer preliminary questions regarding a permit but will require an application and non-refundable $50 application fee to engage further.

Please note the 30-day minimum time required for issuing standard permits. For larger, more complex events (Ex: Over 50 people, extensive setup, substantial equipment, ect.), there will be a 90-day minimum for application submission.

Cost Recovery

The National Park Service (NPS) does charge a cost recovery for managing any special park use permit activities in accordance with 16 U.S.C 3a. Cost recovery includes an application fee and any additional charges to cover the costs incurred by the National Park Service in processing your request and monitoring your permit. This amount will vary depending on the location, size, and complexity of your permit. The $50, non-refundable, application fee must be submitted prior to your application being reviewed. While we are happy to provide an estimate of costs, we will not be able to provide a final amount until an application has been received and processed.

Questions about permits?
Contact Park Headquarters Special Use Permits at [phone] ext. 242 or email us at [e-mail].

 

Man looking through a camera on a very tall tripod in a lush grass field.

NPS Photo

Filming and Photography

Do I need a permit?

Permits are required when:

• the activity takes place at location(s) where or when members of the public are generally not allowed. To include when outside of normal staff operational hours of 9:00 am – 5:00 pm;
• the activity uses model(s), sets(s), or prop(s) that are not a part of the location's natural or cultural resources or administrative facilities;
• or the park would incur additional costs to monitor the activity.

Begin the permitting process by downloading the application and email it to [e-mail]. Please submit your application 30 days prior to your requested date to allow sufficient time for review and processing.

Application for Special Use Permit: Filming, Photography, and Audio Recording

 

First Amendment Permits

The First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution states:

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.

Freedom of speech, press, religion, and assembly are rights protected by the First Amendment of the Constitution of the United States. People may exercise these rights in national parks, but the National Park Service still retains its responsibility to protect park resources and prevent conflict among park visitors. Therefore, the National Park Service establishes guidelines for setting the time, place and manner (number of participants, use of facilities and type of equipment) for the events to occur.

Application processing costs for first amendment demonstrations are not required. No payment is required when submitting the demonstration application; however, all applications are reviewed by the park to ensure the activity meets the criteria of a demonstration. Organizers are responsible for all costs associated with producing the demonstration.

First Amendment Permit Application

 

Mission San Juan bell gable at night lit up by festive colored lights and banners.

NPS Photo.

Special Event Permits

Can I host an event at San Antonio Missions National Historical Park?

There will be a 90-day minimum to apply for large and complex events.
Depending on the size of the event, the NPS may require documentation including, but not limited to: Event layout/route maps, parking plans, onsite EMS, or contracted law enforcement. Additionally, advertising for an event is prohibited prior to permit issuance. It is also prohibited for applicants to use NPS branding for their event.

Special Event Permit Application

 

No Drone Zone: Important Regulations

Launching, landing, or operating an unmanned aircraft from or on lands and waters administered by the National Park Service within the boundaries of San Antonio Missions National Historical Park is prohibited except as approved in writing by the superintendent.

San Antonio Missions is a small metropolitan park with high concentrations of buildings and visitors. The prohibition is needed to protect historic structures from possible damage caused by unmanned aircraft, the protection of cultural view sheds from encroachment and for the protection of park staff, visitors, and property from falling objects.

The term “unmanned aircraft” means a device that is used or intended to be used for flight in the air without the possibility of direct human intervention from within or on the device, and the associated operational elements and components that are required for the pilot or system operator in command to operate or control the device (such as cameras, sensors, communication links). This term includes all types of devices that meet this definition (e.g., model airplanes, quadcopters, drones) that are used for any purpose, including for recreation or commerce.

See the parks Laws and Policies here.