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A right-of-way (ROW) permit is a discretionary and revocable special use permit issued by the National Park Service to authorize the use of lands and waters, and operation and maintenance of infrastructure, as more specifically defined in 36 CFR § 14.2. A right-of-way permit does not grant, convey, or imply transfer of title to any interest in, including a leasehold or easement interest in, the lands or waters authorized for use. A ROW permit may only be issued pursuant to statutory authority and consistent with the standards of review found at 36 CFR § 14.5 (Review of a complete right-of-way permit application). ROW permits are appropriate to authorize utility uses such as power lines, water lines, fiber lines, and cellular communications equipment. The National Park Service does not have general authority to issue ROW permits for roads or petroleum product pipelines, however, certain parks may have specific legislative authority. A ROW permit does not authorize exclusive use, and parks reserve the right to allow visitor and other uses of a permitted area where appropriate. The general statutory authority allowing issuance of ROW permits for use of National Park Service-administered lands is found at 54 USC 100902. The National Park Service ROW regulations are found at 36 CFR Parts 1 and 14. All right-of-way permit (ROW) applications must be submitted through the NPS ROW Permit Application Portal. You can also use the portal to submit general ROW inquiries to the park. Visit the NPS Right-of-Way Permit page for more information on the application process. Right of way permits are managed by the Division of Professional Services at the National Mall and Memorial Parks and by the Lands and Planning Office at the National Capital Region. Additional InformationFor additional information, please visit https://www.nps.gov/aboutus/right-of-way-permit.htm or contact the Park GIS Specialist below: |
Last updated: May 22, 2026