Commercial Use Authorization (CUA) General Information

What is a Commercial Use Authorization?

A Commercial Use Authorization (CUA) is a business permit with the National Park Service. It authorizes you to conduct commercial activities and to provide specific visitor services within a national park. We will only issue CUAs for activities that:

• are an appropriate use of national park areas;
• will have minimal impact on park resources and values; and
• are consistent with the park’s purpose, management plans, policies, and regulations.

You must have a CUA if you or your organization provide services that:

• take place at least in part in the national park area,
• use park resources, and
• result in monetary gain.

PL 105-391, Section 418 and 36 CFR 5.3 require NPS to issue and charge a reasonable fee for CUAs. You may not conduct commercial activities in the park without a valid CUA or in a manner inconsistent with the terms of the CUA.

How do I apply for a CUA?

Commercial Carriers (Road Based Commercial Tours):

• Download and complete the appropriate application (see below).
• E-mail your completed, signed application and a legible copy of your certificate of insurance to [e-mail].

Guided Service, Outdoor Fitness, and Event Services Providers:

• Apply online and search by park- Golden Gate National Recreation Area: Opportunities- Commercial Use Authorization (nps.gov)

Please note that all CUA holders must carry appropriate liability insurance and provide the NPS with proof of that insurance. You also may be required to hold other types of liability insurance depending on the type of CUA you have (e.g., commercial automobile insurance). Refer to the CUA Insurance Guidance for more information regarding these additional requirements and refer to the application materials for the specific type of CUA for which you are applying for more information.

CUA holders cannot require visitors to sign a waiver of liability statement, insurance disclaimer, or indemnification agreement. If you provide high-risk services, you may advise visitors of risks associated with the activity through the use of a visitor acknowledgement of risk form (VAR). If you wish to modify the VAR you may not include "waiver of liability" language and must have park approval before using the modified form.

Once your application and insurance have been received, instructions for paying all applicable fees at pay.gov will be forwarded via email. Please allow 14 business days to process your application once all application materials and fees have been processed.

What Services are Currently Authorized?

Commercial Carriers (Road Based Commercial Tours)

Defined as any type of motor vehicle used for commercial transportation service in which visitors are conveyed into and/or out of any GGNRA area for a direct or indirect fee and, except for on-board interpretative services, no other services are provided. This definition includes sedans, SUVs, minivans, vans, mini-buses, motor coaches and limousines used for commercial transportation services.

A company is required to obtain a CUA if it offers commercial transportation services within GGNRA, regardless of visit frequency. CUA applications are received on a rolling-basis and 2023-2024 CUAs will expire on June 30th, 2024. CUAs are not required for MUNI vehicles or other public transportation vehicles, delivery, vendor or contractor vehicles, and taxis.

GGNRA appreciates the role of commercial transportation services in bringing visitors to the park, and operators are expected to learn and understand the associated rules, regulations, and policies.

Fees:
Annual Application Fee: $300

Click Here to Download the Current Commercial Carrier CUA Application

GGNRA Management Fees: Paid semiannually based on commercial carrier visitor volume

Click Here to Download the Current GGNRA Management Fee Schedule

Muir Woods National Monument Parking Reservation Fee: Paid per visit based on vehicle size

Click Here to View Current Commercial Carrier CUA Holders.

 

Guided Services

Defined as any type of guided commercial activity provided to GGNRA area visitors for a direct or indirect fee or charge. This definition includes but is not limited to hiking, biking, kayaking, fishing, or horseback riding.

You are required to obtain a CUA if your company offers guided commercial activities within GGNRA regardless of frequency. Applications are received on a rolling-basis; however, all permits expire on the last day of February.

Fees:
Annual Application Fee: $500
Placard Fee (Guide Identification Fee): $75 placard (guide ID) issued
Pay fees online here

Apply online and search by park - Golden Gate National Recreation Area: Opportunities-Commercial Use Authorization (nps.gov)

 

Outdoor Fitness Operators

Defined as any type of commercial guided exercise activity provided to GGNRA visitors for a direct or indirect fee or charge.This definition includes but is not limited to fitness instruction, education and motivational exercises for groups, including individual coaching. Examples include personal training, boxing, yoga, and running.

You are required to obtain a CUA if your company offers outdoor fitness programs within GGNRA regardless of frequency. Applications are received on a rolling-basis; however, all permits expire on the last day of February.

Fees:
Annual Application Fee: $500
Placard Fee (Instructor Identification Fee): $75 per placard (instructor ID).
Pay fees online here

Apply online and search by park- Golden Gate National Recreation Area: Opportunities- Commercial Use Authorization (nps.gov)

 

Event Services

Event Services includes professionally organized small-scale events with less than 50 attendees, such as catered picnics, birthdays, marriage proposals, weddings, and other gatherings provided to GGNRA visitors for a direct or indirect fee or charge. This authorized use is for temporary activities only and specifically excludes all food service carts, vehicles, kiosks, or similar services that provide on site cooking.

Each event or activity is limited to three hours in length between sunrise and sunset in designated areas only. No more than one event or activity is permitted at a time per provider per park site.

All event services providers are required to have a CUA to operate within GGNRA regardless of frequency of use. Applications are received on a rolling basis; however, all permits expire on the last day of February.

Fees:
Annual Application Fee: $500
Placard Fee: $75 per location (park site)
Pay fees online here

Apply online and search by park- Golden Gate National Recreation Area
Opportunities- Commercial Use Authorization (nps.gov)

 

Contact Information

The Business Management Division office is located on the San Francisco Bay in Fort Mason at the intersection of Bay and Franklin. Our office is located in building 201 (GGNRA headquarters) and is generally accessible to persons with disabilities. However, all CUA applications should be submitted via email to [e-mail]. If you are unable to download an application, we are happy to send you one via email or postal mail.

For all other inquiries please e-mail us

Thank you for your interest in Golden Gate National Recreation Area, a unit of your National Park Service.