Special Use Permit
A special use permit gives permission to carry out an activity that meets one or more of the following:
- That may not otherwise be allowed within a park or greenway.
- Which has, or which can expect to have, 50 or more persons involved.
- That could negatively effect park property and other park users.
When to get a permit
Including but not limited to:
- Using park space to instruct or convene a class or group
- Using park or greenways for any financial gain
- Public assemblies or events involving 50 or more people
- Product demonstrations
- Sale, rental or promotion of merchandise or service
- Soliciting, sales and peddling of goods
- Food and beverage sales
- Exposure, distribution, placement of signage, advertisements, notices, posters or displays
- Exclusive or special use of park grounds, greenways, trails, or facilities
- Use of park grounds or facilities when they are otherwise closed to the public
- Use of special equipment such as tent, bounce house, etc.
Fees
Applicable fees will be shared during permit application review.
Range of users, based on number of persons directly involved with event:
- 1–50 users: $50 plus tax
- 51–150 users: $150 plus tax
- 151–300 users: $300 plus tax
- 301–500 users: $500 plus tax
- 501 or more users: $700 plus tax
Other fees:
- Damage and security deposit: $150
- Maintenance staff: $99 per hour
- Park ranger staff: $60 per hour
- Operations staff: $32 per hour
- Special equipment: $50 per unit
- Extra dumpster: $20 plus base plus county contract cost
- Portable toilet: $20 base plus county contract cost
Insurance requirements
Certificate of Liability insurance required for all special use permits. Coverage must be in effect on event date. Must include coverage of $1 million per occurrence and $1 million aggregate. Insurance must name Dakota County Parks as an additional insured.
Obtaining a permit
Step 1: Apply for a Special Use Permit. Submitting an application does not guarantee permit approval. Requests are processed in the order they are received.
Step 2: Your application will be reviewed by Dakota County Parks staff. Allow at least two weeks for review.
Step 3: Staff will contact you to confirm permit details or have follow-up questions or reasons for denial.
Step 4: Confirmed permits will be emailed paperwork and payment information.
Refund policy
No refund is available on permit purchases.