Commercial Use Authorizations

Commercial Use Authorizations

All CUA applications will be required to use the new online application system.

For the first application submitted during a CUA season, the applicant will pay a $350 application fee and $200 management fee for a total of $550 per year. For any additional services that same applicant will pay a $250 application fee and a $200 management fee for a total of $450 per year for each subsequent application submitted during the same CUA season. These standard application and management fees will be reviewed every year and may be adjusted to ensure the NPS is collecting the full cost of receiving,processing, and managing the application, as required by federal law.

This link will give you more information on Applying for a CUA.

 

What is a Commercial Use Authorization?

Cape Lookout National Seashore permits businesses to conduct commercial activities in the Seashore through Commercial Use Authorizations (CUAs). The Seashore will only issue CUAs for activities that are

1. determined to be an appropriate use of the Seashore;
2. will have minimal impact on Seashore resources and values; and
3. are consistent with the Seashore’s purpose, management plans, policies and regulations.

A CUA is required if you provide any goods, activities, services, agreements, or other function for park visitors that:

• take place at least in part on lands managed by the National Park Service,
• use park resources, and
• result in compensation, monetary gain, benefit, or profit to you.

 

How do I obtain a Commercial Use Authorization?

Before conducting commercial activities in the Seashore, businesses or individuals must submit a CUA application, receive approval from the Seashore superintendent, and have a copy of the CUA present at all times while conducting business in the Seashore. Businesses and individuals may not conduct commercial activities in the Seashore without a valid CUA or in a manner inconsistent with the terms of the CUA.

Application Instructions:

1. Fill out Online Application
2. We will then send you an Electronic Bill to pay your $350 application fee electronically through Pay.gov so that you can pay online via credit card, debit card or check. Do not send a paper check or cash via mail.
3. Complete and submit Annual Report Form—Due by January 19th following the operating year.

Application Review Process:

• The Seashore requires at least 2 weeks to process a completed CUA application
• Applications are reviewed in the order they are received
• Applicants may receive follow-up emails or phone calls with requests for additional information
• Applicants will receive approval, denial or requests for modifications to the proposed commercial activities no later 4 weeks after receipt of the completed application and application fee

For what time period are Commercial Use Authorizations Valid?

The Seashore issues CUAs on a one-year basis and they are valid from the date of issue until December 31 of the same calendar year. For example, if an application is received on February 1, 2024, and the CUA is issued on March 1, 2024, the CUA will be valid from March 1, 2024 – December 31, 2024. As another example, if a CUA is issued on September 1, it will be valid from September 1 until December 31 of the same year.

 

Duration:

18 minutes, 31 seconds

This video shows how a business can apply for a Commercial Use Authorization (CUA) permit through an online system.

 

Have Questions?

Contact: Katherine Cushinberry, Administrative Officer

CUA Directory -- Find contact information for current Commercial Use Authorization (CUA) holders