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.

Additionally, certain non-profit activities occurring in park areas require a permit, particularly when a fee is collected. Contact us to discuss whether a Special Use Permit or CUA is more appropriate for your non-profit activity.

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.

All CUA holders are required to carry appropriate liability insurance and provide proof of coverage to the NPS. Depending on the type of CUA, additional insurance may be required, such as commercial automobile insurance. For more details on these requirements, please refer to the CUA Insurance Guidance and consult the application materials specific to the CUA you are applying for.

Click Here to View Current CUA Holders.

How do I apply for a CUA?

For all CUA types, please allow 14 business days to process your application once all application materials and fees have been processed. All applications will be processed on a rolling basis, in a first-come, first-served order.

This video tutorial explains what a CUA is, how to apply for a permit, and provides a step-by-step guide on completing the application.

Commercial Carriers:

• Download and complete the appropriate application: NPS Form 10-550 CUA Application 2024-25 Season.pdf
• E-mail your completed, signed application and a legible copy of your certificate of insurance to [e-mail].

Dog Walking Services, 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)

What Services are Currently Authorized?

Commercial Carriers

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. CUAs are not required for MUNI vehicles or other public transportation vehicles, delivery, vendor or contractor vehicles, and taxis.

The Road Based Commercial Tour CUA year runs from July through June of the following year.

Fees:
Annual Application Fee: $300
Management Fee: $5 per person for GGNRA lands outside of Muir Woods National Monument

 

Dog Walking Services

Defined as any individual or entity walking 4 to 6 dogs at a time on designated GGNRA lands in Marin and San Francisco Counties for a direct or indirect fee. Walking more than 6 dogs at one time is always prohibited on GGNRA lands.

The Dog Walking Services CUA year runs from March through February of the following year.

Fees:
Application fee: $350
Management fee: $200 per dog walker for badge ID (will increase to $300 for the 2026 season)

Online application system for Dog Walking Services goes live on January 1, 2025.

Guided Services

Defined as any type of guided 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.

The Guided Services CUA year runs from March through February of the following year.

Fees:
Annual Application Fee: $500 (Will decrease to $350 for the 2025 season)
Management Fee: $75 per guide for placard (will increase to $200 for the 2025 season)

 

Outdoor Fitness Operators

Defined as any type of 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.

The outdoor fitness CUA year runs from March through February of the following year.

Fees:
Annual Application Fee: $500 (will decrease to $350 for the 2025 season)
Management Fee: $75 per instructor for placard (will increase to $200 for the 2025 season)

 

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.

The Event Services CUA year runs from March through February of the following year.

Fees:
Annual Application Fee: $500 (will decrease to $350 for the 2025 season)
Management Fee: $75 per location for placard (will increase to $200 for the 2025 season)

Resources for more information:

• See Providing Visitor Services Through CUAs to learn about CUAs.
• See Superintendent's Compendium and Exhibits (maps) for regulations.
• See Information Regarding Service Animals.

 

Contact Information

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.