Commercial Use Authorizations

What is a Commercial Use Authorization (CUA)?

A Commercial Use Authorization (CUA) allows an individual, group, company, or other for-profit entity to conduct commercial activities and provide specific visitor services within a national park unit. The National Park Service (NPS) issues CUAs to manage a wide-range of commercial visitor services in addition to road-based tours. The CUA's for Aztec Ruins National Monument are processed under Chaco Culture National Historical Park's permitting system, and therefore, applies to both parks.

Federal law mandates the NPS issue CUAs only for commercial activities and visitor services that:
  • are determined to be an appropriate use of the park,
  • will have minimal impact on park resources and values, and
  • are consistent with the park purpose, management plans, policies, and regulations.
The CUA requirement is in 36 CFR 5.3: It is illegal to conduct business in a park area without a permit, contract, or other written agreement. Additionally, Public Law 105-391, Section 418, passed in 1998, provides NPS the authority to issue CUAs to allow business operations and requires NPS to collect a reasonable fee for CUA administration and management.

A CUA is required if you provide any goods, activities, services, agreements, or other function for members, clients, or the public that:
  • take place at least in part on lands managed by Aztec Ruins National Monument
  • use park resources
  • result in compensation, monetary gain, benefit, or profit.
CUA holders have their base of operation outside the park. All the commercial aspects of the activity must occur outside of NPS lands. This includes marketing, advertising, use of permanent or temporary structures, and negotiation with customers. Compensation or payment for services (even tipping) may not occur on NPS lands.

See below for other frequently asked questions about CUAs.

 

CUA Office Contact Information

Sharon Hull
sharon_hull@nps.gov
(505) 786-7014 x264
PO Box 220
Nageezi, NM 87037

Last updated: November 12, 2024

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Contact Info

Mailing Address:

725 Ruins Road
Aztec, NM 87410

Phone:

505 334-6174 x0

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