Permits

Special Use Permits

Certain types of activities require a special use permit. These include many types of organized gatherings, distribution of printed material and other public expressions of opinion, and other activities that are controlled or prohibited. See the following definitions and examples to determine if your use might be included.

A special park use is defined as a short-term activity that takes place in a park area, and that:

• Provides a benefit to an individual, group, or organization rather than the public at large;
• Requires written authorization and some degree of management control from the National Park Service (NPS) in order to protect park resources and the public interest;
• Is not prohibited by law or regulation; Is not initiated, sponsored, or conducted by the NPS; and Is not managed under a concession contract, a recreation activity for which the NPS charges a fee, or a lease.

The Permit Process
Download and return specific permit application,along with appropriate non-refundable fee, when required. Please submit your permit application at least thirty (30) days before the desired date of the activity. The permit coordinator will work with you to create the permit. Read all conditions, guidelines and restrictions.

It is the policy of the National Park Service (NPS) to allow filming and photography when it is consistent with the protection and public enjoyment of park resources, and avoids conflict with the public's normal use and enjoyment of the park. We are also sensitive to the environments around our park.

Special Use & the National Cemetery | Filming & Photography | Special Events | First Amendment Activities | Application for Special Use Permits

For additional information, please email us.

Special Use and the National Cemetery
In compliance with regulations published at 36 CFR 12.4, conducting a special event or demonstration, whether spontaneous or organized, is prohibited except for official commemorative events conducted for Memorial Day, Veterans Day, and other dates designated by the superintendent as having special historic and commemorative significance to a particular national cemetery.

Filming and photography will be permitted in national cemeteries in accordance with NPS Management Policies 2006 8.6.6, 36 CFR parts 5.5 and 36 CFR part 12, 43 CFR 5, and 16 USC 460l-6d, provided that the activities do not cause unacceptable impacts or disrupt the solemn commemorative and historic character of the cemetery.

Filming and Photography Permits

• 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.

Special Events

All other activities would be requested under this category. Please include detailed information in the application about the proposed event to help speed the processing of your request. All applications, except for First Amendment activities, require a fifty dollar, non-refundable fee that does not guarantee permit approval.

First Amendment Activities

Freedom of speech, press, religion, and assembly are constitutional rights. However, the courts have recognized that activities associated with the exercise of these rights may be reasonably regulated to protect park resources. The necessity of a permit to conduct First Amendment activities is determined by the group size.

A small group is defined as "25 people or less." A "small group" is not required to obtain a First Amendment Permit if they are located within a park designated First Amendment site and have no more than leaflets, booklets and/or hand held signs. A permit is required for any small group that:

a. wants to hold a demonstration or distribute and/or sell printed matter somewhere outside a designated First Amendment area.
b. wants to use equipment (i.e. tables, banners, platforms, etc.) even if it is within a designated area.
c. is merely an extension of another group already availing itself of the 25 person maximum.
d. wants to guarantee they will have priority for the use of a location, including the designated First Amendment areas.

A large group is defined as "more than 25 people" and is required to obtain a First Amendment Permit even if they are utilizing a park designated First Amendment site.

Some examples of special events that fall under First Amendment Rules:

• distribution and/or sale of printed matter
• religious services
• public demonstrations or assemblies, etc.

There are no permit fees associated with First Amendment permits.

Application for Special Use Permits
Available forms (click on links below) may be printed out, completed and mailed to the park along with appropriate application fees. At this time they are not available to fill out online.

10-930 Revised Application for Special Use Permit DOC | PDF
10-931 Still Photography Permit (Short) DOC PDF
10-931 Still Photography Permit (Long) DOC PDF
10-931 Filming Permit (Short) DOC | PDF
10-932 Filming Permit (Long) DOC | PDF

Mail completed applications to:

Special Use Permits Coordinator
Andersonville National Historic Site
496 Cemetery Road
Andersonville, GA 31711

For additional information, call 229 924-0343 or email us.