OSMP Permits

Do I need a permit?

Commercial Use Permits
Special Use Permits
Off-Trail Permits  HCA Map422.71 KB
Facility Reservation Information
Parking Permits
Alcohol Permits
Research Permits
Memorials on OSMP
Request an Educational Program
Voice and Sight Dog Tags
Film Permits

Many different activities on OSMP lands require a permit. Detailed information about permits is below.

Commercial Use Permits

If you charge a fee or raise funds while using OSMP lands, you need to have a commercial use permit.

The Commercial Use Permit Program manages commercial activities on Open Space and Mountain Parks (OSMP) lands. OSMP has designed the program to help minimize impacts to natural, agricultural, cultural resources and preserve the quality of the visitor experience.

Apply for, renew or report on a commercial use permit

Special Use Permits

Special use permits will be required for:

• Any passive recreational group activity with 25 or more participants;
• Any event that may require an exemption from any existing policies or regulations, regardless of group size;
• School activities not requiring a commercial use permit will need a permit for groups with 50 or more participants;
• School activities not requiring a commercial use permit with 25 to 49 participants are required to obtain a permission letter, and must notify OSMP at least two weeks before the trip.  It is not necessary to fill out the special use permit application to obtain a permission letter.
• Some examples of special uses include group hikes, rides or picnics.
• Permits are designed to:
  • Approve conditions for special uses to bring impacts within an acceptable level;
  • Direct special uses to alternate sites that can adequately handle the impacts of the activity;
  • Disallow special uses that create unacceptable impact.

Special use permits are required by the Boulder Revised Code section 8-8-8:

• No person shall organize, promote, or stage a noncommercial event intended for or which can reasonably be expected to draw an attendance of twenty-five or more participants and spectators on any open space and mountain parks property without first obtaining a permit from the city manager under this section.
• No person who has obtained a permit from the city manager under this section shall organize, promote, or stage a noncommercial event intended for or which can reasonably be expected to draw an attendance of twenty-five or more participants and spectators on any open space and mountain parks property without having the permit in their possession at all times during the event.

Special use FAQs

Special Use Permit Application177.6 KB

Off-Trail Permits

The Off-Trail Permit Program began in February 2007.  Visitors must obtain a permit to travel off of designated trails in Habitat Conservation Areas (HCAs) You can travel on designated trails in HCAs without a permit.

This program was adopted as part of the 2005 Visitor Master Plan to protect high quality habitat areas where there is a low trail density.

Apply for an off-trail permit

Follow this link to learn more about the incredible species and resources protected in each of the HCAs.

HCA Map422.71 KB

Facility Reservation Information

Facilities on Flagstaff Mountain may be rented in advance for weddings, picnics, parties or other events.

More information on facility reservations

Parking Permits

All park visitors whose motor vehicles are not registered in Boulder County must possess either a daily or annual permit to park on Flagstaff Mountain or in Gregory Canyon (see map, 50KB). Beginning June 27, 2011, permits will also be required at South Mesa, Doudy Draw and Flatirons Vista Trailheads.

More information on parking permits

Alcohol Permits

Alcohol permits are required at Open Space and Mountain Parks facilities or for groups of 15 or more people. Permits are granted only to City of Boulder residents with a confirmed facility rental. Alcohol permits must be obtained between 90 and 14 days prior to the event. The alcohol permit fee is $25.

More information on alcohol permits

Research Permits

Anyone who conducts research on OSMP lands requires a research permit. Please call 303-441-3440 for more information.

It will take at least 14 days to process and review your application after we receive the completed application.

Research permit application370.3 KB

Memorials on OSMP

Please call Kesha Robitaille at 720-564-2032 for more information on memorials.

 Memorial Policy 30.18 Kb

Request an Educational Program

OSMP offers naturalist-led educational programs. We encourage educators and community members to take advantage of this outdoor classroom and the services provided free by Open Space and Mountain Parks staff. We are happy to help you in any way we can.

More information on educational programs

Voice and Sight Dog Tags

The Voice and Sight Tag Program has been designed by the City of Boulder to help dog guardians better understand the voice and sight control standards. Understanding and meeting these standards will help reduce conflicts that can occur between dogs, visitors and wildlife.

This program is only for dog guardians who intend to walk their dogs under voice and sight control where allowed on City of Boulder land. If you only walk your dog on a leash, you are not required to register. 

More information on voice and sight dog tags

Film Permits

Most filming projects on OSMP lands require a commercial use permit. You may request an exemption from the commercial use permit requirement if you are working on a student project or something similar. For more information please email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

All film permit applicants must also submit a  City of Boulder Filming Application.

Do you have more questions about permits?

Send us an email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

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Last Updated on Thursday, 23 May 2013 09:10