Thank you for your interest in having your event at MPRPD’s parks. Please review this information before submitting your application.

The region’s ecologically diverse native landscapes, including undeveloped coastal dunes and wetlands, rocky shoreline, redwood canyons, Monterey pine terraces, and mixed hardwood flood plains are a major attraction for residents and visitors alike. The Monterey Peninsula Regional Park District (MPRPD) was formed to preserve and protect as much of this natural beauty as possible for future generations.

To balance public interest with environmental protection, we look to the District’s Mission Statement to guide our land use policies and management practices.

 “To acquire open space for public use and enjoyment and to protect natural ecosystem processes and environmental quality through appropriate recreational activity.”

One tool the District has available for protecting its parks and preserves is regulating the amount of access by establishing an access limit and permit system. The District’s Special Use Permit is an integral component of responsible public land stewardship.

When do you apply for a special use permit?

If your event...

• Is advertised or noticed in any publication, poster, flyer, or other form of announcement, including electronic, or
• Requests or requires a fee or payment to be paid for participation (including commercial filming and photography), or
• Is sponsored by a private organization or group, or public/quasi-public agency, or
• May be attended by 20 or more people, or 
• Requires vehicle access into restricted access areas.

Other work and research that may need special permissions include, but are not limited to:

• Research and specimen collecting
• Mitigation work
• Land alterations

How to apply

Apply for a Special Use Permit Here

By submitting this application, you acknowledge that you have read and understand the Interim Fee Schedule policy and conditions listed in the application.

Applications must be submitted at least 60 days prior to, and not more than 12 months in advance of requested use to: permits@mprpd.org.

Fees may apply (see table below) if your event is for:

• Organized group use (events coordinated or advertised with a gathering of 20 or more participants for group hikes, training sessions, nature walks, non-competitive outings, etc.).
• Competitive use (events involving races, contests, timed activities, or competitions like cross-country runs, orienteering, equestrian rides).

How is a permit application processed?

Special Use Permit Applications are processed and analyzed on a case-by-case basis to determine conformance with MPRPD ordinances, policies and park rules, fees, and insurance requirements. After reviewing your application, we will contact you to gather more information and, if necessary, review fees and insurance requirements.

• A Special Use Permit Application may be submitted electornically, by mail, or in person;
• Public agencvies and not-for-profit organizations will have priority;
• Permit applications must be received by the District at least 60 days prior to, and not more than 12 months, in advance of the date for which the permit is requested;
• All fees, deposits, certificates of insurance, and other requried documents must be received by the District no later than two weeks (14 days) before the use date;
• To be valid, the Special Use Permit must be signed by an authorized District representative and the Permittee;
• Appropriate staff will review all permit requests for approval, denial, and applicable conditions. All requests will be acted upon within two weeks (14 days) from the date the District receives the completed permit form

Submit applications to permits@mprpd.org.

Questions

Contact permit administrator:

Savannah Peña
Environmental Education Supervisor
(831) 372-3196 x114
permits@mprpd.org