Special Use Permits

Applications

Special Park Use Application
Temporary Food Establishment Application
(Pay.gov) Credit Card Payment- Application Fee and Cost Recovery
Certificate of Liability Insurance Example

A special park use is defined as an activity that takes place in a park area, and that:

• provides a benefit to an individual, group (25 or more and/or 10 or more vehicles) or organization rather than the public at large;
• requires written authorization and some degree of management control from the National Park Service in order to protect park resources and the public interest;
• is not prohibited by law or regulation; and
• is not initiated, sponsored, or conducted by the National Park Service.

 

Activities can include but are not limited to:

First Amendment/Demonstrations

First Amendment activities such as public assemblies, meetings, gatherings, demonstrations, parades and other public expressions of views and opinions are managed and regulated under 36 CFR § 2.51, DO/RM-53 and the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area Superintendent's Compendium.

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 peacefully in national parks within the designated areas. The content of First Amendment activities is not regulated, and the opinions expressed by permittees do not necessarily reflect the vision, mission and/or policy of the National Park Service.

A small group of 25 people or less (36 CFR 2.51(b)) in most cases is not required to obtain a First Amendment Permit if they are located within a park designated First Amendment site and have no more than leaflets, booklets and/or handheld signs.  A permit is required for First Amendment activities that meet any of the following criteria:

• A group of more than 25 people is required to obtain a First Amendment Permit even if they are utilizing a park designated First Amendment site.

• Utilizes significant equipment including generators, platforms, tents, etc.

• Utilizes a different location other than the parks First Amendment designated site. See photos and maps in Designated First Amendment Sites portion below. As well as, within the Superintendent’s Compendium.

Examples of First Amendment Activities:

• Distribution of printed matter

• Demonstrations

• Speechmaking

• Marching

• Religious services

Type of Activities Not Covered by the First Amendment:

• Church picnic or social gathering

• Wedding ceremonies or receptions

• Political fundraiser or other invitation-only political activity or event

• Solicitation of donations

• Community parades, athletics, or sporting events

The National Park Service requires a permit for most First Amendment activities in order to establish the location, time, number of participants, and other general conditions under which such events may occur. First Amendment permits are issued at no cost to the permittee. Many of the activities not covered by the First Amendment can be accommodated through a Special Use Permit for which cost recovery will be charged. Please reach out to our Special Park Use office regarding any questions or comments related to First Amendment permits.

Designated First Amendment Sites 

Designated First Amendment sites are located at the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area, Anthony C. Beilenson Interagency Visitor Center at King Gillette Ranch, adjacent to the Visitor Center sign within the fountain courtyard; Rancho Sierra Vista/Satwiwa adjacent to the information kiosk in the main parking lot; Former shuttle stop at Paramount Ranch. 

Anthony C. Beilenson Interagency Visitor Center at King Gillette Ranch 
26876 Mulholland Hwy, Calabasas, CA 91302  
GPS Coordinates (decimal degrees): Latitude 34.10271 Longitude -118.70731 
Designated area is located adjacent to the Visitor Center sign within the fountain courtyard. Designated area is 14 feet by 33 feet. 

Rancho Sierra Vista/Satwiwa 
The park entrance does not have an official address. Entrance to parking lot located at intersection of Lynn Road and Via Goleta. 
GPS Coordinates (decimal degrees): Latitude 34.153066 Longitude -118.965358 
Designated area is adjacent to the information kiosk in the main parking lot. Designated area is 10 feet by 23 feet. 

Paramount Ranch 
2903 Cornell Rd, Agoura Hills, CA 91301 
GPS Coordinates (decimal degrees): Latitude 34.115452 Longitude -118.755073 
Designated area is located at the former shuttle stop with concrete padding. Designated area is 35 feet by 30 feet. 

Scattering of Ashes

The scattering of ashes requires a permit, there are no fees but the Office of Special Park Uses will set conditions according to 36 CFR §2.62(b) such as:

• The scattering of remains by persons on the ground is to be performed at least 100 yards from any trail, road, developed facility, or body of water.

• The scattering of remains from the air is to be performed at a minimum altitude of 2000 feet above the ground.

• No scattering of remains from the air is to be performed over developed areas, facilities, or bodies of water.

• Limited to 12 persons

Ashes from Cremated Human Cremains must be scattered in a manner so as to disperse their identity. Ashes must be pulverized before being scattered. The placement of any monument or marker recognizing the scattering of cremated human remains is prohibited.

• 36 CFR §2.62(a) Authorization from the Director of the National Park Service is required to install a monument, memorial, tablet, structure, or other commemorative installation in a park area.

Special Events

Special events include but are not limited to aid stations, corporate events, family gatherings, festivals, parties, large picnics, public spectator attractions, trail runs, basecamps or vehicle parking, car shows and other non-visitor activities on park land.

Additional Information

• A group size of 25 or more people and/or 10 vehicles requires a permit.
• Events with fewer than 25 people may require a permit.
• Any type of gathering with catering, or significant equipment will require a permit, regardless of size.
• You will require a permit If you want to enter a closed building.
• All picnic tables in the park are first come, first served and cannot be reserved.
• Same day set up and clean-up are required.
• If the requested dates and activity can be accommodated, the cost recovery will be based on the total number of people and complexity and time needed for the event, set-up and clean up.
• Sites are available from 8:00 a.m. until sunset.
• A ranger will be assigned to monitor the event. Depending on the size/complexity of the event additional monitors may be required.
• Rangers services are from $60.00/hr to $100.00/hr for one monitor plus administrative and maintenance recovery costs.
• The applicant is responsible for cleaning the event areas and parking lot at the event’s conclusion.
• Directional signs must be free standing and not interfere with traffic or safety signs.

Additional documents may be required for complex events:

• Traffic Control
• Emergency Medical Plan (EMS)
• Event Schedule
• List of vendors
• List of equipment and supplies
• List of event personnel (i.e. name, position, title, phone number)
• Event Plan
• Map of event setup (race course route, event layout, etc.)

Weddings

Whether you are planning a small intimate wedding or the extravagant wedding of your dreams, the Santa Monica Mountains offers many unique locations with one of a kind scenery.Our park sites provide an outdoor setting for magical moments while enjoying the beautiful weather of southern California.

How Do I Get a Permit?
Make sure to check location closures prior to planning your event. Before contacting the park it is strongly recommended that you have visited the park location and have some information about your special day. This includes but is not limited to:

• Dates, times, total number of people, and any activities to be conducted (games, moon-bounce, etc).

• What type of deliveries (food service, catering, etc), decorations, and equipment.

• Most importantly, the location.

Completed applications are taken in the order received on a first come, first serve basis. A non-refundable application fee of $175 must also be made to pay.gov, in order for an application to be considered.Once all of the event details are gathered, along with the application and fee payment we can then schedule a walkthrough.

How Much Does A Wedding Permit Cost?
As with any wedding, costs can range drastically depending on a number of factors. These considerations include:

• Prep time, event time, clean-up time (i.e number of hours)

• Number of guests

• Clean-up of all of the areas used

• Event (ceremony and / or reception)

• Set-up / prep time for catering, florist, decorations, etc.

• Number of monitors needed (depends on complexity of event and number of guests)

• Time spent for walkthrough's

 

 

Application Process

For special use permits, in order to be considered all documents must be submitted within 60 days before your proposed permit start date. Before contacting the park it is strongly recommended that you have some information about your special activity. This includes but is not limited to:

• Visiting park sites beforehand Note: Check location closures before visiting sites
• Dates, times, and total number of people
• Any activities to be conducted (games, moon-bounce, etc)
• What type of deliveries (food service, catering, etc.)
• Decorations (All decorations must be free standing, no staking allowed)
• Equipment (electrical use, etc)
• Parking crew
• Alcohol (beer and wine only, no distilled spirits. Must be 21 years of age to consume.)
• Most importantly, the location(s)

Follow the directions found in the application form, then scan the completed form and e-mail to the permits office. Or mail the completed form to the park headquarters address found at the bottom of the page. Forms will be accepted via U.S. mail or email once confirmation of payment is received. Photographed documents are not accepted.

Payment Information

A non-refundable application fee of $175.00 must be submitted online through Pay.gov in order to secure a date on the permit calendar. A site visit will then be scheduled and the remaining balance will be issued with the final permit after all the details are finalized. The permit office accepts payment by credit card only and cannot accept personal or business checks or paypal. Please contact the permit office before making payment on Pay.Gov. A certificate of liability insurance of $1,000,000 naming the United States of America / National Park Service as the additionally issued is required for all National Park Service special use permits. This fee is non-refundable even if your application is denied, so please contact the office prior to sending in paperwork.

Submitting an application with the fee does not guarantee your activity or the date requested will be approved. Applications are accepted up to one year in advance. We will let you know as soon as possible that we have received your application, but approval or denial of your activity can range from days to weeks.

Additional Information

• Some activities are required to go through full environmental or historic compliance review.
• Additional administrative costs, cost recovery or facilities use cost may also be charged.

Performance Bonds

Some projects may require a performance bond or cash deposit. The purpose of the bond is to ensure that the natural area or historic feature is left in as good a condition as it was prior to the activity, and to cover any unpaid costs incurred as part of the project. The amount of the bond will be determined according to the scope and potential for damage by the activity. At the conclusion of the permit, the bond will be returned to the permittee after final billing costs and costs of necessary clean up; repair or rehabilitation is deducted.

What do I need to bring for my event?

Due to Woolsey Fire damage, the park service has lost all of their supplies, materials and infrastructures that have been supplied for past events. Please be mindful that you will need to provide your own supplies. These include, but are not limited to:

• Cones/barricades
• Tables and chairs
• Lighting
• Generator for electricity (fire extinguisher needed for each generator)
• Garbage cans
• Canopies (stakes cannot more than 6 inches deep)
• Restrooms
• Water Stations

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS)

Is insurance required to have a permit?
Yes, a certificate of liability insurance of $1,000,000 naming the United States of America / National Park Service as the additionally issued is required for all National Park Service special use permits. This fee is non-refundable even if your application is denied, so please contact the office prior to sending in paperwork.

How is the cell phone coverage?
Being that you will be located in a national park, cell-phone coverage can be spotty and unreliable.

Can I get wireless internet?
No, the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area does not provide wireless internet access.

Do you have a business center that I can use (fax machine, copy machine, computers, etc.)?
No, the use of government facilities and equipment is prohibited under federal law.

Do you have a kitchen, mess area, or other food services prep area?
No, however it is encouraged that you use a caterer that has a familiarity with the site before you apply for your permit.

I'm not sure if I can have my event or activity in the national park. Can you still help me out?
Feel free to call or e-mail us. Remember, we're here to help.

If you are seeking to have your special event on properties not administered by the National Park Serivice please contact the appropriate agency:
California State Parks: [phone]
Mountain Restoration Conservation Authority (MRCA): [phone]

Wondering what properties are administered by the National Park Service? Check out our map of the entire Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area. We do not manage business opportunities for California State Parks, Mountains Restoration Conservation Authority (MRCA), local parks or other lands not administered by the National Park Service, within the Recreation Area. For all other areas, you must contact the appropriate land managers.

Link back to Special Park Uses Homepage.

Contact Us
Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area
Office of Special Park Uses
1 Baxter Way Suite 180 Westlake Village, CA 91362
[phone]
Email Us: [e-mail]