Special Use Permits

What is a Special Park Use?

A special park use is defined as an 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 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;
• is not managed under a concession contract, a recreation activity for which the NPS charges a fee, or a lease; and
• is a short term activity

The National Park Service may permit a special park use if the proposed activity will not:

• cause injury, damage, or impairments to park resources;
• be contrary to the park's purpose for which the park was established and the mission of the NPS;
• interfere with visitor use, access, and programs;
• interfere with park management or administration;
• interere with concession operations or other public facilities;
• present a clear and present danger to public health and safety

Examples of special park uses include:

• First Amendment activities
• Filming, still photography, and audio recording
• Weddings
• Memorial services
• Parades
• Sporting events
• Special assemblies

Permit Application Process & Fee

To apply for all types of special use permits, submit the appropriate application and pay the corresponding application fee (if applicable).

• Special Events (NPS Form 10-930)
  • There is a $50 non-refundable application fee.
  • A minimum of 30 days is required to review special event requests once the application and fee are received. If insurance is required for your event, it needs to be submitted at this time (see below).
• First Amendment Activity/Demonstrations and Distribution of Materials (NPS Form 10-934)
  • The application fee for First Amendment activities are waived.
  • The NPS has up to 10 calendar days to respond to a complete application; allow sufficient time for the park to process your request.
• Filming, Still Photography, and Audio Description (NPS Form 10-931)
  • There is a $100 non-refundable application fee.
  • A minimum of 30 days is required to review filming and photography requests once the application and fee are received. If insurance is required for your event, it needs to be submitted at this time (see below).

Pay Application Fees on Pay.gov

1. Go to Pay.gov. In the top right search bar, type CHRI. Press enter.
2. Press Continue for Christiansted National Historic Site Special Use Permit Fees.
3. Press Continue to the Form.
4. Fill out Permittee Information. The Permit Number is provided by the Special Use Permit Office via email or over the phone.
5. Select Permit to Pay for.
   1. Special Events: Select Permit Application Fee (Not for Filming) - $50.00
   2. Filming and Photography: Select Application Fee - $100.00

All questions on the application form should be answered as accurately and completely as possible. 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.

Insurance

A special use permit often requires general commercial liability insurance. The insurance and the permittee indemnify the park from liability, injury, or damages resulting from the actions or inaction of the permittee. If general liability insurance is required, it must show the U.S. Government as additionally insured. Certificates of Insurance must show coverage on "occurrence" basis. If required by the park, the minimum amount of commercial liability insurance is $1,000,000 per occurrence, and $2,000,000 aggregate. Additional amounts may be required for high-risk activities and events. The park will often waive insurance for low-risk activities such as a commemorative ceremony. The United States of America, Department of the Interior will be listed as "additional-insured" or "certificiate holder" on the Certificate of Liability Insurance.

If insurance is required for your event, your application will not be considered until the application, application fee, and proof of insurance have been received. A minimum of 30 days is required to review the special park use request from the date all three are received.

Cost Recovery

Fees charged for administering a permit may include the following:

• Personnel (staffing) costs
• Materials and supplies
• Official travel
• Utilities and overhead
• Compliance requirements
• Vessel and equipment use
• Training

The permittee will be billed for all costs incurred.

Compliance

All permit activities must meet National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) requirements and go through an environmental screening process.

Important Reminders

• Permittees who enter Fort Christiansvaern for recreational purposes are subject to the same entrance fees as the general public.
• The NPS will recover costs incurred in administering permits and monitoring the activities it authorizes.

Contact

Email questions and application packages to chri_events@nps.gov or call (340) 277-6782.