Special Park Use Permits

 

Special park uses are considered activities that are generally outside of the normal visitor experience or intended use of the park. They are often organized and take many forms, including festivals, sporting events, performances, ceremonies, memorializations, and more. These types of events require a permit and discussions with a permits specialist to determine the best location for the event based on available areas, number of participants, and many other factors.

How to Apply

1. If you are interested in applying for a Special Park Use Permit, you MUST fill out the Special Use Permit application.
2. Once a permit application has been completed, e-mail your application to the permitting office: [e-mail]
3. All applications will have a non-refundable $100 application fee associated with them. Payments can be made via credit card (option available over the phone) or check. In your application e-mail, specify which payment method is preferred. *Hampton NHS currently has no way to process checks on site. While payments via check are possible, credit card is preferred.*
4. Once an application has been submitted and the application fee has been paid, the permits coordinator will review your application with the park management team to determine whether your permit application will be approved. Please allow at least six weeks for special use permit processing.

Permit Pricing

Application Fee: $100 (non-refundable) Fee does not apply to First Amendment activities regulated under 36 C.F.R. § 2.51 and 36 C.F.R. § 2.52.

Cost Recovery: is charged at a dollar-in dollar-out ratio to the permittee, meaning whatever the cost is to the NPS to manage the permit is the exact cost that will be charged to the permittee. For permits that require park staff to monitor the permits, this price will be the hourly rate of the park staff. For planning purposes, the park recommends permittees plan for an estimated cost of $50 per ranger per hour.

Insurance Requirements

You may be required to obtain liability insurance naming the United States of America 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.

 

Hampton NHS map

NPS

Locations For Special Use Permits

Special Park Use permits may happen most places within the park with some restrictions. For all trestrictions on various areas in the aprk, reference the Hampton National Historic Site Superintendent's Compendium. Use the map to the side as reference when deciding where in the park you'd like to request your activity to occur. While the locations detailed below are not the only locations in the park where permits occur, they are the most requested.

Gardens:

The formal gardens at Hampton NHS are planted annually and provide a scenic backdrop for any permitted activity. Permitted events may occur in this area with the following restrictions:

• Access: Permitted activities can not block pathways through the gardens, preventing other visitors from accessing the area.
• Garden Beds: Garden beds must be protected. No equipment will be permitted to disrupt the garden beds, and any crowds walking through the beds damaging plants could result in a permit being revoked.
• Equipment: Equipment may be limitted for permitted events in this area in order to preserve the scenic landscape for other visitors.

Orangery:

The Orangery is the only indoor location available for permitted use within the park. The building offers tables and chairs for indoor needs. However, permittees should be mindful of the following:

• Capacity: The Orangery has a 50 person maximum occupancy. Any groups planning a larger gathering should plan to have it outdoors. Tables are unable to be set up if the building is at its maximum occupancy.
• Cost Recovery: Because the meeting room in the Orangery is not regularly opened to the public, permittees will have to pay cost recovery for the time staff spends making the room accessible to the permittee.
• Internet Access: The National Park Service does not provide internet access.
• Equipment: This space has chairs and tables available for use by permittees. The National Park Service does not provide any other equipment such as computers, projectors, speakers, screens, etc.

Mansion:

The historic Hampton Mansion is the centerpiece of the park. The park often receives permit requests for activities to occur in the Mansion. The Mansion is NOT available for permitted use.

Grounds:

Hampton NHS's grounds have many open locations that make them ideal for special park use activities. While these areas will have restrictions with them, they are much more viable areas for special use activities to occur.

**PLEASE NOTE** Due to the on-going Legacy Restoration Fund Project taking place at Hampton NHS, additional restrictions or closures may impact where permits may occur within the park.

Considerations for Permits

Federal procedures (31 USC7701) require your Social Security Number or Tax Identification Number on the back of all checks accepted for deposit in the amount of $50 or more. You must supply one or the other in order for your check to be accepted and your application to be processed.

The information provided on the application will be used to determine whether a permit will be issued, so please provide as much detail as possible. You will be notified of the disposition of the application and the necessary steps to secure your final permit. If your request is approved, a permit containing applicable conditions and regulations will be sent to the person you have designated on the application. The permit must be signed and returned to the park prior to the event.

The mission of the National Park Service is to preserve and protect our resources as stated in the Organic Act… "The Service…shall provide and regulate the use of …National Parks.[its] purpose is to conserve the scenery and the natural and historic objects and the wildlife therein and to provide for the enjoyment of the same in such a manner and by such means as will leave them unimpaired for the enjoyment of future generations."(16 USC 1)

It is the policy of Hampton National Historic Site to accommodate requests for special use permits when and where possible, while adhering to this mandate. Therefore, our primary concern is to assess potential resource damage and disruption of normal public use prior to authorization of any special use activity.