Permits

 

Enjoy Thomas Stone's Mansion and the vast amount of acreage at this historic estate.

NPS Photo

 

Permits at Thomas Stone National Historic Site

Planning a special event, public gathering, or filming project at Thomas Stone National Historic Site? Some activities require a permit to ensure they align with park regulations, protect historic resources, and maintain public access. If your event or project goes beyond typical visitor use, we’re here to help guide you through the process.

What is a Special Park use (SPU)?

A Special Park Use (SPU) is an activity that takes place in the park and:

• Benefits a specific individual, group, or organization rather than the general public.
• Requires written authorization and management oversight from the National Park Service (NPS) to protect park resources and visitor experiences.
• Is not prohibited by law or regulation.
• Is not initiated, sponsored, or conducted by the National Park Service.
• Is not managed under a concession contract, an NPS recreation fee activity, or a lease.

A Special Use Permit (SUP) helps the park manage these non-routine activities, ensuring they respect the park’s historic and natural setting, preserve resources, and minimize disruptions for visitors. Each request is carefully reviewed based on park guidelines, visitor access, and potential impacts.

If you are unsure whether an activity or event requires a Special Use Permit, please contact us.

 

Activities that Require a Permit

The following include, but are not limited to, activities that require a permit:

 

Special Event

Guidance for permitting special events is found in 36 CFR § 2.50 - Special events. This regulation stipulates the following conditions for approving and denying special event requests:

(a) …There is a meaningful association between the park area and the events, and the observance contributes to visitor understanding of the significance of the park area, and a permit therefor has been issued by the superintendent. A permit shall be denied if such activities would:
(1) Cause injury or damage to park resources; or
(2) Be contrary to the purposes for which the natural, historic, development and special use zones were established; or unreasonably impair the atmosphere of peace and tranquility maintained in wilderness, natural, historic, or commemorative zones.

Permit Needed: Special Use

Still Photography and Filming

When photography activities occur in national parks, they must be consistent with the protection of park resources and avoid conflict with public use, the educational nature of the park, and the enjoyment of the park by all visitors.

Who Needs a Permit?

• 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 NPS. 

• 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. 

Props: What's allowed and what's not?

Props allowed include blankets, pillows, hand-held items such as musical instruments, small baskets. Permitted props also include photography equipment other than a camera and tripod. The use of equipment such as lighting, backdrops, shades, screens, etc. requires a permit.

The following props are not allowed: balloons, large decorative props, backdrops, sandbags, alcohol, ‘gender reveal’ items, candles, smoke generators, or snow machines. These items have the potential to be released into the park environment and/or impair the visitor experience and are not allowed. This list is not all-inclusive. When in doubt, contact the permit coordinator. Use of confetti and/or glitter may cause damage to resources and is not allowed on park property.

First Amendment Activities

The National Park Service will authorize the use of park land for public assemblies, meetings, demonstrations, religious activities, and other public expressions of views protected under the First Amendment of the U. S. Constitution, in accordance with 36 CFR 2.51.

A permit for demonstrations in First Amendment designated areas is required if there are more than 25 people in a group. Hand-carried signs may be used, but stages, platforms, or structures may not be used.

First Amendment areas are first come, first serve, so applying for a permit regardless of group size is recommended.

 

Apply for a Permit

Choose one of the applications below, fill it out with your information, and email completed permit application(s) to [e-mail].

 

Applications

• 

  Special Use Permit

  For weddings, organized gatherings, and other special events.

• 

  First Amendment Activities Permit

  For public assemblies, demonstrations, and free speech activities.

• 

  Film, Photo, and Audio Recording Permit

  For filming, still photography, and audio recording.

 

Trouble filling out the form?

• Reader users must have Reader 8 or later.
• When you choose the Reader-enabling option, save a copy of the form using a different filename, and then send the copy to recipients.

 

Things to Consider

• Special use permits are granted at the discretion of the superintendent.
• Applications will be reviewed based on Park rules and regulations.
• A Permit is not valid until signed by the Superintendent and issued to the applicant.
• Applications and application fees (when applicable) must be received at least 10 days in advance of the event. After review, if approved, a special permit will be granted to the applicant.
• Permit applications for non-first amendment activities require the fee at the time they are submitted. Please DO NOT email any credit card information. The park Permitting Office will contact you regarding payment.

 

Additional Information

When should I apply for a permit?

You should submit a completed application, located above, along with the application fee to the park as far in advance of your planned date as possible. In addition, you should request a meeting with park staff if your proposed activity is unusual or complex. Early consultation with park staff will help them process the submitted application in a timely manner.

What fees will I have to pay?

The National Park Service will collect a cost recovery charge and a location fee for still photography permits. Cost recovery includes an application fee and any additional charges to cover the costs incurred by the National Park Service in processing your request and monitoring your permit. This amount will vary depending on the park and the size and complexity of your permit. The application fee must be submitted with your application.

Are there other permit requirements?

You may be required to obtain liability insurance naming the United States as additionally insured in an amount commensurate with the risk posed to park resources by your proposed activity. You may also be asked to post a bond to ensure the payment of all charges and fees and the restoration of the area if necessary.

What about photography workshops?

If you are planning a photography workshop, you may need a commercial use authorization. Contact us if you have questions, if the items listed above do not fall under your category, or you need a bit more help.