Jefferson County, Colorado
Special Activity Permit Process 

Guidelines have been established to determine which activities should be allowed on Open Space lands and which should be prohibited. Permits will reduce conflicts between incompatible activities occurring concurrently. Greater visitor satisfaction will result from appropriate visitor safety and facility maintenance. Use of the parks will be monitored for resource impact and visitor capacity. This system will enable many special activities to continue to occur; however, a smaller group of activities will require permits. Permit requirements will be enforced under Open Space Rules and Regulations that states "Any person conducting a special activity, event, concession or commercial activity on lands managed by Jefferson County Open Space must obtain a valid Special Activity Permit Agreement and comply with all terms and conditions of said Agreement."

Fine $50.00

What: Jefferson County Open Space Special Activity Permits - Special activities as defined below occurring on all properties managed by Jefferson County Open Space will require a permit.

When: Permits will be required for qualified special activities.

Why: Permits allow for more appropriate management of Open Space properties, provide for a more positive experience for park visitors and permit holders. Permits allow for anticipated impacts to parks and open spaces and allow for appropriate management, preparation, restoration, parking, facility maintenance and safety.

How: Application forms are available online, at the Open Space office, (700 Jefferson County Parkway, Suite 100, Golden, Colorado 80401), or form applications can be mailed upon request.  

Information and Other Links
Pine Valley Ranch Facility and Fees
Pine Valley Ranch Shelter Reservation Online Form 
Rules for Special Events (pdf)
Heritage Grove at Hiwan Homestead Reservation Information

Making the Most of Your...
Group Program or Educational Activity (pdf)
Recreational Event (pdf)
Wedding or Celebration (pdf)

Definitions:
Special Activity - any activity involving a person or group of persons that has the potential to impact park values or the health, safety or welfare of park visitors or which may otherwise require special planning/scheduling for proper management. Special activities shall confirm in nature to the intended uses for Jefferson County Open Space lands.

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Types of Activities for which a permit is required:

Special Event:

• Groups of 50 or more persons, and/or
• School groups of 30 or more persons, and/or
• Groups requesting use of a site not designated for concentrated group use, and/or
• Groups of any size conducting the same event more than once in a 3-month period.

Fee/Commercial Event:

• Activity in which a fee is being charged or income is being derived from the event.
• Often a larger event with advertising to the general public to generate spectators, with the intent of profit making. Money may not be exchanged on the parks.
• A percentage of gross revenues collected in advance outside of the park will be charged the permit holder pursuant to the Special Activity Permit Agreement if the event involves a profit.

Community Event:

• Sponsored activity by an organization that is intended to provide positive exposure for the park and strengthen its ties with the community.
• Event must be sponsored in whole or in part by a political subdivision or non-profit organization.

Camping:

• Erecting of a tent or shelter of natural or man-made material and/or the placing of a sleeping bag or other bedding material on the ground for the apparent purpose of overnight occupancy.

Special Use:

• Special activity that deviates from JCOS established rules and regulations or management guidelines (specimen collection, research projects).

Short-term Concession:

• Operation and maintenance of a commercial business for monetary profit, other gain or consideration on any land under the administration and jurisdiction of Jefferson County Open Space, for a period of one year or less.

Long-term Concession:

• Operation and maintenance of a commercial business for monetary profit, other gain, or consideration on any lands under the adminstration and jurisdiction of Jefferson County Open Space, for a period of more than one year.

No Fee Permits:

• Community events where participation fee, donation, etc., is solicited or collected for the purpose of administering the activity and no profit is made.
• No significant or unusual impact on park resources; including park personnel, equipment, natural resources and materials.
• Event/activity does not require any special planning and/or scheduling for proper management and does not involve sales, service or commercial use of any kind on the park.

Fee Permits:

• Minimum permit fee of $25.00 will be required for all activities in which participants are required to pay a fee and or a monetary donation that results in a profit being accumulated; and/or
• Park personnel and/or equipment are required to administer, schedule or otherwise supervise the activity; and/or
• Activity has the potential for significant impact on park values.
• If the activity involves sales of items or services on the park, or individuals are required to pay a participation fee and/or monetary donation that results in a profit being accumulated, the applicant may be charged 5% of the gross revenues or an additional flat fee as negotiated by the Manager of Administration/Education Services.

Send Completed Permit Application to:
Jefferson County Open Space
Park Services Administration
700 Jefferson County Parkway, Suite 100
Golden, Colorado 80401
Voice: 303-271-5925
Fax: 303-271-5955
Email: ps@jeffco.us

Last Modified: Jun 2, 2011 03:58 PM