Laws & Policies

Regulatory Information

There are a number of Federal and State laws and regulations that protect National Park sites including San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park and the people who visit. Visitors to the park are responsible for knowing and abiding by those rules, many of which are listed in Title 36 of the Code of Federal Regulations. This webpage is intended to help people learn about the rules that protect them and their park. Further information is available from park rangers at the Visitor Center.

Superintendent's Compendium

Each national park has specific local regulations established under the Superintendent's discretionary authority under Title 36 CFR. These regulations are compiled annually and available as the Superintendent’s Compendium.

 

Code of Federal Regulations

The regulations that govern all national parks including San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park are encompassed in Title 36 CFR (Code of Federal Regulations).

 

Firearms in National Parks

As of February 22, 2010, a new federal law allows people who can legally possess firearms under applicable federal, state, and local laws, to legally possess firearms in this park. However, 36 CFR § 2.4(a)(1)(iii) still prohibits the use of any weapon, trap or net in the National Parks. This includes those persons residing in the State of California that possess a valid State of California carry-concealed weapon permit (also known as a Carry Concealed Weapon (CCW) permit). These permits are typically issued by the county sheriff of the county where the state resident resides.

It is the responsibility of visitors to understand and comply with all applicable state, local, and federal firearms laws before entering this park. As a starting point, please visit California's website: https://oag.ca.gov/firearms

A notable exception to this rule is the possession of weapons in federal facilities. Federal law prohibits firearms in certain facilities in this park; those places are posted with signs at all public entrances. This prohibition includes those possessing a valid State of California CCW permit. In other words, all persons, regardless of the state permit that has been issued to them, are prohibited from carrying any firearm in federal facilities. In San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park, this includes all administrative buildings, non-residential buildings, and buildings that serve the public.