Commercial Photography, Video and Drone Permits

At this time, professional photo or video projects where the final product is for a customer's personal use do not require a permit (this includes weddings, engagement photos, graduation photos, etc.)

The Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Department has tabled a discussion to potentially implement a new annual permit for professional photographers (see above definition) who profit from the use of City parks. The permit could potentially include all City parks, including Garden of the Gods. The timeline and fee structure are yet to be determined.

If and when we have a draft policy, every effort will be made to clearly communicate the policy and procedure, including fees, before it is implemented.

Our normal process includes meeting with stakeholders and a presentation to our Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Advisory Board, which is a public meeting. Following these meetings, details will be shared online and through our social media channels.

Once our policy and fee is established the revenue will contribute to the operations and maintenance of the park system.

To offer feedback, please email parks&recofficeofspecialevents@coloradosprings.gov.

• The Colorado Springs Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services (PRCS) Department reserves the right to approve or deny any permit application at its sole discretion.
• Commercial General Liability Insurance that names as Additional Insured, “The City of Colorado Springs, its elected officials, employees and volunteers” and any other public entities impacted by the event is required for all permits. The policy must be for a minimum of $1,000,000.00 with an aggregate amount of $1,000,000.00.
• The entire Application and Permit Packet must be on the premises during filming and presented to any City Employee upon request.
• All park rules and regulations apply.

Additional regulations for filming in Garden of the Gods Park exist to protect the natural attributes of the park, as well as the experience of its visitors:

• Permits which require road closures will not be issued during peak visitor season, May 1-September 30 annually.
• Filming will only be permitted Monday-Friday during the hours of 6:00-10:00 am (year-round), 3:00-5:00 pm (October 1-April 30) and 7:00-9:00 pm (May 1-September 30).
• Scouting, set-up, tear-down and filming may only be conducted during park hours, 5:00 am – 9:00 pm from November 1 through April 30; and 5:00 am – 10:00 pm from May 1 – October 31.
• Photographers and crew may not disturb birds or wildlife or their natural habitat within the park.
• Photographers, crew, equipment and vehicles may not disrupt or impede vehicle or pedestrian traffic at any time, unless a road closure has been approved and appropriate traffic control is in place.

• Commercial Film/Photography Permit Application
• Applications are due at least 14 days in advance of requested filming date
• Applications must include:
  • Certificate of Insurance
  • Site Plan
  • Timeline/Narrative/Shot List
  • Signed Park Rules & Regulations (if applicable)
  • Other permits and licenses (as applicable)
• Permit Fees:
  • Application Processing Fee - $25
  • Garden of the Gods Park - $500/day
  • All Other Parks - $250/day
  • Penalty and/or violation fees may apply for a violation of any park rule