Special Park Use Permits

 

Photograph of Democratic Senatorial candidate Robert F. Kennedy addressing a crowd at a rally on Wall Street from the steps of Federal Hall National Memoria

National Parks of New York Harbor

Introduction to Special Park Use

A 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.

Special Park Use Permit Application Process

Step 1: Submit the Application

Applicants begin by downloading and completing the Special Park Use Application form. Completed applications may be submitted by mail to the address provided or, preferably, by email to [e-mail].

To ensure adequate processing time, applicants are encouraged to submit their materials at least 10 days before the proposed activity. If an application is incomplete, the Permit Coordinator will contact the applicant to request missing information before the review begins.

Step 2: Pay the Application Fee

Once the Permit Coordinator receives the application, the applicant will receive instructions for paying the $50 non‑refundable application fee through Pay.gov’s e‑billing system. Pay.gov will also send a direct payment link by email. Online payment is preferred, but applicants may also pay by check or money order if necessary.

If the proposed activity requires cost recovery, the Permit Coordinator will provide an estimate and discuss the anticipated charges with the applicant before those fees are assessed. Cost recovery fees may be paid online unless alternative arrangements are made.

Step 3: Application Review

After the application and application fee have been processed, the park begins its review. Applicants will receive a response—approval or denial—within 10 days of the park receiving a complete application.

If approved, the Permit Coordinator will provide instructions for submitting a Certificate of Insurance, which must be provided before the permit can be issued. Applicants are encouraged to begin coordinating with their insurance provider early to avoid delays.

Depending on the nature and location of the proposed activity, the park may require a site walk‑through with the applicant. Walk‑throughs are typically required for events with complex logistics, resource‑sensitive locations, or activities that may affect visitor use or park operations.

Step 4: Permit Preparation and Signature

Once all required documents—including the Certificate of Insurance—have been received, the Special Park Use Coordinator will prepare the permit document and send it to the applicant for review and signature.

The applicant returns the signed permit to the Permit Coordinator, who will then obtain the Superintendent’s signature. A permit is considered officially issued only after the Superintendent has signed it.

Applicants are encouraged to return their signed permit promptly to avoid delays in final issuance.

Step 5: Permit in Hand

After the Superintendent’s signature is secured, the park will provide the applicant with a fully executed copy of the permit. The applicant must have the final signed permit on hand during the event and must comply with all conditions outlined within it.

 

Film crew at Federal Hall National Memorial

NPS

Filming, Still Photography, and Audio Recording

The 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:

• In most cases, permits and fees are not required for filming, still photography, or audio recording that involves eight or fewer individuals. In order to avoid permit and fee requirements, the filming, still photography, or audio recording must meet all of the following conditions:
  • Occurs in areas open to the public;
  • Uses hand-carried equipment only;
  • Does not require exclusive use of a site;
  • Does not adversely impact park resources, values, or other visitors; and
  • Is not likely to result in additional administrative costs for the National Park Service.
• Permits and fees are never required for filming, still photography, or audio recording that is associated with an activity or event that has been authorized under a written instrument (e.g., permit or agreement), 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.
• When a filming, still photography, or audio recording permit is required, the National Park Service will charge location fees and fees to recover its costs to administer the permit, including application fees.
• Individuals and groups conducting filming, still photography, or audio recording remain subject to all other laws and regulations applicable to visitors to park areas, including those requiring permits for certain activities (e.g., special events or demonstrations) and those prohibiting disturbance or other negative impacts to natural or cultural resources.
• Individuals and groups conducting filming, still photography, or audio recording are subject to entrance and/or recreation fees that may apply in park areas even when a permit is not required.

Filming, Still Photography and Audio Recording Permit Application Forms:

Governors Island National Monument Filming Application Form

Castle 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

 

Do I need a permit to film or take still photographs or audio record in a Park?

No, provided the filming, still photography, or audio recording activity involves eight or fewer individuals and meets all of the following conditions: 

• Occurs in areas open to the public; 
• Uses hand-carried equipment only; 
• Does not require exclusive use of a site;  
• Does not adversely impact park resources, values, or other visitors; and 
• Is not likely to result in additional administrative costs for the National Park Service. 

If you believe that your filming, still photography, or audio recording activity may require a permit, please contact e-mail us

I have a permit for an activity. Do I need another permit to film, photograph or record audio ?

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. 

I'm a content creator, student or with a news media organization, do I need a permit? 

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: 

• Occurs in areas open to the public; 
• Uses hand-carried equipment only; 
• Does not require exclusive use of a site;  
• Does not adversely impact park resources, values, and other visitors; and 
• Will not result in additional administrative costs for the National Park Service. 

If you believe that your filming or photography activity may require a permit, please contact e-mail us.

What fees do I need to pay for a permit?

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.

Even though I'm not required, may I request a permit?

Yes, you may request and the National Park Service may issue a permit even when one is not required. 

How do I apply for a permit?

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. 

What about photography workshops?

If you are planning a photography workshop as a business, you may need a commercial use authorization. Contact the park for more information. 

Who needs a permit for filming, still photography or audio recording in parks?

You may need a permit if your group is more than eight individuals, or the activity does not meet any of the following conditions:  

• Occurs in areas open to the public; 
• Uses hand-carried equipment only; 
• Does not require exclusive use of a site;  
• Does not adversely impact park resources, values, or other visitors; and 
• Is not likely to result in additional administrative costs for the National Park Service. 

If you believe that your filming, still photography, or audio recording activity may require a permit, please contact e-mail us

 

A permitted special event at Federal Hall National Memorial.

NPS

Special Park Use Permits

A special park use is an activity that takes place on park land or waters and meets the following criteria:

• Provides a benefit to an individual, group, or organization, rather than the public at large,
• Requires written authorization and some degree of NPS management to protect park resources and the public interest,
• Is not prohibited by law or regulation,
• Is not initiated, sponsored, or conducted by the NPS,
• Is not managed under a concession contract, and
• Is not managed through a lease.

Generally, The NPS encourages special park uses that accomplish any or all of the following:

• Support the mission of the NPS
• Add to the public understanding and enjoyment of the park
• Promote a sense of ownership and stewardship for the park and its resources
• Enhance the protection of park resources and values;
• Provide for an increased level of visitor safety.

The NPS will not issue special park use permits that:

• Create an unacceptable impact on park resources or values, or

• Are contrary to the purposes for which the park was established, or

• Unreasonably disrupt the atmosphere of peace and tranquility of wilderness, natural, historic, or commemorative locations within the park, or

• Unreasonably interfere with interpretive programs, visitor activities, visitor services, or NPS administrative activities, or

• Substantially interfere with the operation of public facilities or the services of NPS concessionaires or contractors, or

• Create an unsafe or unhealthy environment for other visitors or employees, or

• Result in conflict with other existing uses.

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 Event

Requests 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.

Examples of activities that need a special use permit include, but are not limited to, the following:

• ceremonies
• performances
• festivals
• cultural programs

Special Park Use Permit Application Forms

African 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 & Hamilton Grange Map
Saint Paul's Church National Historic Site Application

Stonewall National Monument Application & Map

Theodore Roosevelt Birthplace National Historic Site Application

 

People in the street during a Civil Rights March

First Amendment Activities

First 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 Activity

A 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 permit is required for any small group that:

• wants to hold a demonstration or distribute and/or sell printed matter somewhere outside a designated First Amendment area;

• wants to use equipment (i.e. tables, banners, platforms, etc) even if it is within the designated area;

• is merely an extension of another group already availing itself of the 25 person maximum;

• wants to guarantee they will have priority for the use of a location, including the designated First Amendment areas

• wants to use amplified sound and you must obtain a New York Police Department sound permit and submit a copy of the sound permit.

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 ([e-mail]) 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