![]() National Parks of New York Harbor Introduction to Special Park UseA permit is required for any activity that provides a benefit to an individual, group, or organization, rather than to the park or the public at large. These activities may include: events, regattas, First Amendment activities, filming, photography, and audio recording. Many of these require permits and some degree of oversight from National Park Service staff. Application processPermittee will download, complete, and submit a special Park Use Application form to the park. Application forms may be sent via mail (address listed below) or e-mail (preferred) to: masi_special_park_use@nps.gov. Once the Permit Coordinator receives the application, the permittee will receive a follow up e-mail with a link to pay the $50 application fee online, unless previous arrangements are made for payment via check or money orders. ![]() NPS Filming, Still Photography, and Audio RecordingThe National Park Service conserves and protects areas of untold beauty, grandeur and historical importance for current and future generations. The tradition of capturing images of these special places started with explorers who traveled with paint and canvas or cameras. Sharing these images helped inspire the creation of national parks. Today, visitors to national parks continue to memorialize their visits through filming and photography. On January 4, 2025, the EXPLORE Act was signed into law (Public Law 118-234) and has been codified at 54 U.S.C. 100905. Section 125 of the Act changed how the National Park Service will manage filming, photography, and audio recording in park areas. Key elements of the new law include:
Filming, Still Photography and Audio Recording Permit Application Forms:Governors Island National Monument Filming Application FormCastle Clinton National Monument Filming Application Form Federal Hall National Memorial Filming Application Form African Burial Ground National Monument Filming Application Form Stonewall National Monument Filming Application Form Theodore Roosevelt Birthplace National Historic Site Filming Application Form General Grant National Memorial Filming Application Form Hamilton Grange National Memorial Filming Application Form Saint Paul's Church National Historic Site Filming Application Form No, provided the filming, still photography, or audio recording activity involves eight or fewer individuals and meets all of the following conditions:
If you believe that your filming, still photography, or audio recording activity may require a permit, please contact e-mail us No. A separate permit and fee payment is not required for filming, photography, or audio recording that is associated with a permitted event, such as a wedding, sporting event, demonstration or other activity.
All filming, still photography, and audio recording is treated the same under the new law. It does not matter whether it is commercial, non-commercial, for content creation, by a student, or conducted by media or for news gathering. You do not need a permit if the activity involves eight or fewer individuals and meets all of the following conditions:
If you believe that your filming or photography activity may require a permit, please contact e-mail us. When a permit is required, the National Park Service will charge location fees and fees to recover its costs to administer the permit, including application fees.
Yes, you may request and the National Park Service may issue a permit even when one is not required.
Please download and fill out one of the applications listed above. Email the completed application to e-mail us. A staff member will follow up with additional information and steps.
If you are planning a photography workshop as a business, you may need a commercial use authorization. Contact the park for more information.
You may need a permit if your group is more than eight individuals, or the activity does not meet any of the following conditions:
If you believe that your filming, still photography, or audio recording activity may require a permit, please contact e-mail us ![]() NPS Special Park Use PermitsA special park use is an activity that takes place on park land or waters and meets the following criteria:
Generally, The NPS encourages special park uses that accomplish any or all of the following:
The NPS will not issue special park use permits that:
What Fees are required?The NPS may recover from the permittee all agency costs incurred in processing the application, and monitoring the permitted activity if the request is approved. Costs include, but are not limited to: a $50 non-refundable application fee, staff monitoring, administrative costs, electricity use. The permit coordinator will provide the permittee with a cost quote upon request. Actual costs will be billed after the event. Permittees may pay all fees via check, money order or online with a credit/debit card. Requesting a Special Use Permit For a Special EventRequests for special use permits for events should be made by submitting an application (with mocked up floor plan) at least 10 days prior to the date of the planned event. More advance notice is recommended. Please return the appropriate application form from the selection below to request a permit as soon as possible. All questions should be answered as accurately and completely as possible. If hosting an event, please include floor plans, run of shows and specifics on what equipment is needed. This will assist the park in determining the appropriateness of the planned activities and help to estimate NPS costs that may be incurred in managing, facilitating, or supporting the use. Submission of the application form and fee payment does not imply permission for any special use or event. For more information please read the instructions.
Special Park Use Permit Application FormsAfrican Burial Ground National Monument Application & Outdoor Memorial Floor plan Castle Clinton National Monument Application & Floor plan Federal Hall National Memorial Application & floor plans General Grant National Memorial Application & Map Governors Island National Monument Application & Castle Williams Map & Fort Jay Map Hamilton Grange National Memorial Application & Map Saint Paul's Church National Historic Site Application Stonewall National Monument Application & Map Theodore Roosevelt Birthplace National Historic Site Application ![]() First Amendment ActivitiesFirst Amendment activities include freedom of speech, press, religion, and assembly. All of these are constitutional rights. However, the courts have recognized that activities and rights may be reasonably regulated to protect park resources. Each Park has a designated area for First Amendment activities thats listed in the Superintendent's compendium. Requesting a Special Park Use Permit for a First Amendment ActivityA small group, defined as "25 people or less," is not required to obtain a First Amendment permit if it is located within a park designated site and have no more than leaflets, booklets and/or hand held signs.
A large group, defined as "more than 25 people," is required to obtain a First Amendment Permit even if it is utilizing a park designated First Amendment site. Please email the Special Park Use Coordinator (masi_special_park_use@nps.gov) regardless whether a permitted is required. Are there fees associated with First Amendment Activities?There are no cost recovery fees associated with First Amendment permits. First Amendment Permit Application forms:African Burial Ground National Monument Application Castle Clinton National Monument Application Federal Hall National Memorial Application General Grant National Memorial Application Governors Island National Monument Application Hamilton Grange National Memorial Application Saint Paul's Church National Historic Site Application Stonewall National Monument Application Theodore Roosevelt Birthplace National Historic Site Application |
Last updated: April 7, 2025