Special Use Permits on Open Space

Special Use Permits Are Required For

• Activities that have 25 or more people.
• Activities that do not fall under the generally accepted definition of passive use, regardless of the number of people. Examples of passive use are hiking, biking, birding, and fishing.
• Activities that occur outside open hours (open hours are sunrise to sunset).

Research and Drones

Recreational use of drones is not permitted. Please do not apply for a Special Use Permit if you are interested in conducting research or using Unmanned Aircraft Systems (drones). Those activities have their own permitting process. Permits for drones filming or photographing commercial activities will not be considered.

• Research on Open Space
• Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) & Drone Policy

Photography

Individuals engaging in still camera photography do not need a permit if the activity occurs during open hours and has less than 25 people.

Commercial Activity

Permits will not be issued to any person, acting individually or on behalf of a business or organization, for any commercial activity such as:

• Races or events
• Filming movies or commercials
• Guiding services
• Equipment demonstrations
• Riding activities of a commercial horse stable, riding school, or livery

Nonprofit Events

Nonprofit, tax exempt entities can apply for a permit for large-scale events, gatherings, or activities for the benefit, enjoyment, or engagement of people within the community. These events are typically open to the public and aim to foster connection to the land, celebrate local culture, support causes, and/or provide educational or recreational opportunities.

Staff will consider how the event will impact the following:

• Natural resources on the property
• Staffing requirements
• Other park visitors
• Parking
• Medical response and rescue efforts
• Park amenities

Nonprofit events must meet the following requirements:

• Passive Recreation: All events must be consistent with Boulder County Parks & Open Space (BCPOS) goals of passive recreation as defined in the Boulder County Comprehensive Plan.
• Noncommercial Activity: All events must be free to participants or 100% of the proceeds benefit a community-based or local nonprofit.
• Size Limitations: Overall event size is capped at 200 people, with the following limitations for specific uses:
  • If the event is for runners, cap the attendance to 200 runners, with no more than 10 runners per group.
  • If the event is for hikers, cap the attendance to 200 hikers, with no more than 10 hikers per group.
  • If the event is for equestrians, cap the attendance to 30 riders, with no more than 10 riders per group.
  • If the event is for biking, cap the attendance at 100 bikers, with no more than 10 bikers per group.
• Non-Exclusive: All events must be non-exclusive, meaning the parks and trails must remain open to other visitors.
• Time for Application: All special use applications must be submitted at least 90 days in advance of the event.
• Emergency Response: The application must include an emergency response plan.
• Runs and Rides: “Fun Run/Ride” type events are limited to the following properties:
  • Regional Trails including Coalton Trailhead, Carolyn Holmberg Preserve at Rock Creek Farm, and Twin Lakes.
  • Heil Valley Ranch, Hall Ranch, Walker Ranch, Lagerman Agricultural Preserve, and Betasso Preserve (run/hike only).
• Medical and Aid Stations: Organizer must supply Emergency Medical Technicians, aid stations, and amenities such as additional restrooms and trash cans.
• Parking: Organizer must coordinate off-site parking and shuttle participants.
• Staffing: Organizer must supply their own staff for the event.
• Permitting: Organizer must obtain all local, state, and federal permitting required for the entire event, including any portion that does not occur on BCPOS property.
• Notice: Organizer must post public event notices onsite seven days in advance. BCPOS will provide the event notice template.
• Cleanup: Organizer must remove all trash, signage, and amenities immediately after the conclusion of the event.
• Insurance: Organizer must provide a certificate of insurance for the event if requested, some events may not require insurance but waivers may be necessary.
• Fees: Additional fees may be required if BCPOS staffing is needed to support the event.
• Property Closures: Event must follow all muddy trail and other closures that may be in effect.

Conditions and Approval

• Applications are reviewed on an individual basis considering:
  • Activity details
  • Impact on resources
  • Number of people
  • Number of parking spaces needed
  • Location
  • Day of the week
  • Time of the event (properties are open from sunrise to sunset; after-hours requests require additional review and may take longer for approval)
• Special Use Permits will not be issued to areas closed to the public.
• Approval of event does not give exclusive rights to a location or parking facility.
• If, in the opinion of the Board of County Commissioners or the Director of Parks & Open Space, the activity will cause significant impact to the natural environment or will require significant departmental resources, the county may prescribe a fee that includes the costs expected to be incurred by the department, impose other use restrictions, or deny permission for the activity.
• At the discretion of the county, applicants may be required to obtain insurance for their organization (Sample Insurance Requirements)

Apply for a Special Use Permit

Applications may take up to 30 days to process depending on the complexity of the request.

Permit Application