Application for a Permit to Conduct a Demonstration or S

OMB Control No. 1024-0021
Expires XX/XX/2017
UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
NATIONAL PARK SERVICE
NATIONAL CAPITAL REGION
900 OHIO DRIVE, SW.
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20024

INSTRUCTIONS FOR PUBLIC GATHERING PERMIT
Thank you for your interest in conducting a special event or demonstration on parkland in the National Capital Region, which
is governed by National Park Service (NPS) regulations found at 36 CFR 7.96. Attached is an application for a public
gathering permit to conduct a Demonstration or Special Event. You can submit the attached application seeking use of the
following park areas: National Mall and Memorial Parks, President’s Park, Rock Creek Park, National Capital Parks East,
George Washington Memorial Parkway, Manassas National Battlefield Park, Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts,
Prince William Forest Park, and a portion of Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park. Upon receipt of your fully
executed application, we will time and date stamp it as received, and then process it as rapidly as possible. Depending on the
size and complexity of your activity, you may need to provide additional documents, such as a site plan, sign plan, or risk
management plan (see NCR Special Event Guidelines). A meeting may be necessary to discuss the details and requirements
associated with your proposed activity. We look forward to working with you. If you have any questions, please contact the
Division of Permits Management by telephone at (202) 245-4715.
I. WHERE TO APPLY: Applications must be filed between the hours of 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday,
except holidays, at Division of Permits Management National Capital Region, 900 Ohio Drive, SW., Washington, D.C. 20024.
II. WHEN TO APPLY: Permit applications for demonstrations (First Amendment activities) or special events must be
received at least 48 hours in advance of the proposed activity. The NPS processes fully executed applications on a firstcome-first-serve basis. Applications are accepted no earlier than 1 year in advance of the proposed demonstration or special
event (including set up and take down). Note that an application seeking to waive the numerical limitations for demonstrations
on the White House Sidewalk along Pennsylvania Avenue (over 750 persons) and in Lafayette Park (over 3,000 persons) must
be received at least 10 days in advance of the proposed demonstration.
III. APPLICATION FORMS: If you need another copy of this application, please visit the park’s website at
http://www.nps.gov/nama/planyourvisit/permits.htm 1 or call the number listed above. A fully executed application must be
received at the Ohio Drive address within the time limits set out in the preceding section. Please note that as a security
precaution, our incoming mail undergoes a treatment process before being delivered, which at times may significantly
delay its arrival. Therefore, we strongly suggest that you use Federal Express, courier, or hand-deliver your
application to us. Otherwise, the application will be delayed being received and time and date stamped and you may
lose timely consideration.
IV. DEFINITIONS: While the definitions are fully detailed at 36 CFR 7.96(g)(1)(i) and (ii), the term DEMONSTRATION
generally includes speechmaking, picketing, vigils, marching or religious services etc., and all other like forms of conduct that
are reasonably likely to draw a crowd or onlookers. The term SPECIAL EVENT generally includes sports events, runs/races,
parades, fairs, festivals, or any activity that is not a demonstration.
V. LIMITED NO-PERMIT ALLOWANCE FOR SMALL-GROUP DEMONSTRATION:
A demonstration involving 25 or fewer persons may be held without a permit, provided that other conditions required for the
issuance of a permit are met, and provided further that the group is not merely an extension of another group already availing
itself of the 25-person maximum or will not unreasonably interfere with other demonstrations or special events. Those taking
advantage of the no-permit allowance are not allowed to erect temporary structures other than small lecterns or speakers’
platforms; however, the use of portable signs or banners is not restricted. Individuals and organizations are still encouraged
to contact the Division of Permits Management in advance of a proposed activity to determine if the space is already
under permit to another group.
VI. GENERAL EVENT GUIDELINES: While the Guidelines 2 go into detail, please note:
1

Special Use Application Form 10-930 for weddings, picnics, non-tournament specials; and Special Use Application Forms
10-931 and 10-932 for filming and photography can also be obtained at http://www.nps.gov/nama/planyourvisit/permits.htm.

2

FOR A COMPLETE COPY OF NCR SPECIAL EVENT GUIDELINES AND 36 CFR 7.96 VISIT http://www.nps.gov/nama/planyourvisit/permits.htm.

APPLICATION PROCESSING COST: A one-time, non-refundable application cost of $120.00 must accompany all
SPECIAL EVENT applications. Special event applications will not be processed without the application processing payment.
Payment is accepted by credit card, check and money order. DEMONSTRATION (First Amendment) applications are not
subject to the application processing cost. No special event application will be processed unless processing cost
remittance is provided with the application. The application processing cost represents the average cost incurred by the
park in receiving, processing, initially reviewing, and distributing of applications to help ensure the information supplied is
sufficient to inform a decision. Processing costs will be reviewed each fiscal year.
OTHER COSTS: There also may be charges for other costs associated with your proposed activity, incurred by the National
Park Service and the United States Park Police. These charges are to reimburse the National Park Service for services,
resource damage caused by your activity, or personnel deemed necessary to support your activity. Depending on the size and
scope of your proposed activity, a cost recovery deposit in the form of an irrevocable letter of credit, certified check, or money
order, and/or documented liability insurance coverage may be required. Any costs will be discussed with the applicant, prior to
issuing the permit.
Office of Management and Budget Circular A-25 establishes Federal policy regarding fees assessed for Government services.
In accordance with this Circular, the NPS is taking steps to more fully recover and collect costs associated with special use and
public gathering permits. This program was implemented on October 1, 2006, and while initially included costs for processing
the application, it has been followed by the recovery of additional costs associated with administration, management and
monitoring of permitted activities. Pursuant to longstanding practice, the NPS, National Capital Region, requires applicants to
post a monetary cost recovery deposit prior to the activity to cover costs incurred when NPS employees are required to work
for activity monitoring and for any needed site restoration following the activity. The deposit amount is dependent on the size
and scope of the activity and will be discussed with the applicant before the permit is issued.
Applications are also reviewed by United States Park Police to determine if Park Police officers are required to be onsite for
proposed activity. If your activity requires the service of Park Police, you will be contacted directly by them to coordinate the
appropriate arrangements. Payment for Park Police services must be made seven (7) days in advance of your activity.
SALES: Pursuant to 36 CFR 7.96(k) only the following items are permitted to be sold on park property in conjunction with a
special event or demonstration: books, bumper stickers, leaflets, pamphlets, buttons and newspapers.
IN PERSON SOLICATION: Pursuant to 36 CFR 7.96(h), in-person soliciting or demanding of money or funds for donation
on Federal parkland is prohibited, unless it occurs as part of a permit issued for a demonstration or special event. Persons
permitted to solicit must not give false or misleading information regarding their purpose, affiliations, or as to whether any
item is available without donation. Exacting a payment or requesting a donation in exchange for merchandise constitutes a sale
and is not allowed unless it comports with the NPS sales regulations at 36 CFR 7.96 (k).
FOOD: Food is generally available through the Park Service concessionaire. Only ethnic foods that are preapproved by the
National Park Service and that meet Public Health standards may be sold, but only if such foods are determined to be integral
to the theme of the proposed activity. Commercially packaged or generic beverages may not be sold. Food service requires a
separate 70-day application process, must be preapproved by the National Park Service, and must meet Public Health
standards.
Paperwork Reduction Act & Privacy Act Statement: Regulations at 36 CFR 7.96 (g) give us the authority to require applicants to fill out
this form to request permits for special events or demonstrations. We may not conduct or sponsor and you are not required to respond to a
collection of information unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number. The information you provide is protected under the
provisions of the Privacy Act and Freedom of Information Act. Additional disclosures of the information may be to the United States Park
Police, the District of Columbia Metropolitan Police Department, and any other affected law enforcement agencies. Public reporting for
this collection of information is estimated to average 30 minutes per response, including the time for reviewing instructions, searching
existing data sources, gathering and maintaining the data needed, and completing and reviewing the collection of information. Send
comments regarding this burden estimate or any other aspect of this collection of information, including suggestions for reducing this
burden, to the Information Collection Officer, National Park Service, 1849 C Street, NW. (2601), Washington, D.C. 20240.

OMB Control No. 1024-0021
Expires XX/XX/2017

NATIONAL PARK SERVICE, NATIONAL CAPITAL REGION
Application for a Permit to Conduct a Demonstration or Special Event in Park Areas
and a Waiver of Numerical Limitations on Demonstrations for White House Sidewalk
and/or Lafayette Park
Date of Application____________________

SECTION I:

Contact Information

This is an application for a:

□ Demonstration

□ Special Event

Definitions on Instruction Page

Individual/Organization______________________________________________________________________________
Address___________________________________________________________________________________________
Phone/Mobile_____________________ Fax ________________________ Website/Email__________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
Person in charge of activity______________________________________________________ Fax __________________
Address ____________________________________________________________________________________________
Day Phone________________________ Mobile________________________ Email_____________________________
One person must be listed as in charge of the activity. If different individuals are to be in charge of various activities at
different locations, please list their names and contact information:
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________________

SECTION II:

Lafayette Park and White House Sidewalk

Is this an application for the use of the White House Sidewalk 3or Lafayette Park?

□ Yes

□ No

Please be aware that a waiver of the numerical limitations is required if an expected demonstration on the White House
Sidewalk will include more than 750 participants or that a demonstration in Lafayette Park will include more than 3,000
participants.
Is this an application for a waiver of the numerical limitations?

SECTION III:

□Yes □No

Logistics

Set-up dates
AM/PM
Starting
Ending
From
Activity dates
AM/PM
Starting
Ending
From
Break-down dates
AM/PM
Starting
Ending
From
Please list ALL proposed locations (include assembly and dispersal areas):

To
To
To

Estimated maximum number of participants for EACH PARK AREA TO BE USED (Including organizers, volunteers,
participants and spectators):
Purpose of activity:

3

The White House Sidewalk is the sidewalk between East and West Executive Avenues, on the south side Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W.

Plan for proposed activity (include all speakers, a complete time schedule of the activity, proposed routes for any
marches or parades, plans for the orderly termination and dispersal of activity that might affect regular flow of city
traffic, etc.):

Please indicate any
of these items that
will be used during
the proposed
activity:

□

Jumbotrons

□ Handheld

□ Banner/Sign(s)

Signs/Placards
Quantity:

Size: L

□ Chairs

□ Press Riser

Quantity:

Size: L

□ Tables

□ Stage(s)

Quantity:
Estimated # of Buses:

Size: L W H
Portable Restrooms
Quantity:

Quantity/Size:

W

H

□ Podium
□Distribution of
Literature

W

H

□ Tent(s)
Size(s):
Quantity:

□ Lighting

□ Portable Sound

Equipment

System

□

□ Generator(s)

Camera Tripod
Quantity:

Quantity/Type:

Turf Protective Cover(s)
Type:
Duration:
Quantity:

Please list all other equipment (include any necessary medical/trailers, ):

Are you proposing to solicit Are you proposing food
Are you proposing road closures or traffic management? If
donations:
or beverages service 4:
so list the roads and/or trails affected?
 Yes
Yes
Yes
 No
No
No
How will the activity be advertised or publicized:
Do you propose to have commercial sponsors? If yes, how
TV
Email/listservs
are sponsors recognized.
Radio
Website
 Yes
Print
 No
Flyers
Social media (twitter, Facebook, Tumbler etc.)
If boxes, crates, coffins, or similar items will be used, state whether they are to be carried opened or closed, their
proposed size, the materials constructed from, and their proposed contents and use:

What are your cleanup and/or recycling plans?
How will cleanup members be identified?

4

Please note there is an additional Temporary Food Establishment Permit Application that must be received by NPS at least 70 days prior to
proposed activity. Food service is subject to more stringent standards including being preapproved by the National Park Service and
meeting Public Health standards. Only ethnic foods that are determined to be integral to the theme of the proposed event are permitted.

SECTION IV:

Activity Disruption

Do you have any reason to believe or any information indicating that any individual, group or organization might seek to
disrupt the activity for which this application is submitted?

□ Yes □No

If “yes,” list each such individual, group or organization and contact information for each:
_________________________________________________________________________________________________

SECTION V:

Marshals 5and or Volunteers

Will applicant furnish marshals and/or volunteers? □Yes □ No
Note: Marshals are required for all waivers of numerical limitations and for demonstration activities held
simultaneously on White House Sidewalk and Lafayette Park.

How many?

List the functions the marshals and/or volunteers are expected to perform:

How will the marshals and/or volunteers be identified?
Person(s) responsible for supervision of marshals and/or volunteers (for each location):
Name(s)
Locations(s)
Contact information during activity (address, phone)
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
What communications equipment will be provided to the marshals and/or volunteers? (Include the number of walkietalkies, mobile phone tree, bullhorns, public address systems, flashlights, etc.)

State specifically the plans for ingress and egress of the participants to and from all park areas including Lafayette Park.
Please include proposed sites for loading and unloading of buses, automobiles or other forms of transportation that the
participants are expected to use (supply chart or map if necessary)

Typed/Printed name of person filing application ________________________________________________________
Position of person filing application ________________________________ Email _____________________________
Address of person filing application ___________________________________________________________________
Fax_______________________ Day phone __________________________ Mobile _____________________________
Signature of person filing application __________________________________________________________________
APPLICATION IS NOT VALID UNLESS SIGNED.
ORIGINAL SIGNATURE REQUIRED
Hand deliver or mail to: National Park Service, National Capital Region
Permits Management, 900 Ohio Drive, S.W. Washington, DC 20024
Open 8:00 am to 4:00 pm, Monday – Friday, Office 202-245-4715

FAXED, EMAILED, AND XEROXED APPLICATIONS ARE NOT ACCEPTED

5

Marshals do not act as police. They help maintain order among participants and provide information to participants and non-participants.
Marshals should have knowledge of the overall activity organization.