First Amendment Permits

Yes, unless the individual or group qualifies for the “small group permit exception”.

The Presidio Trust has a “small group permit exception” for individuals and groups up to 25 participants. The exception only applies if the individual or group uses a designated First Amendment Area and there are no more than 25 participants, and no one is using significant equipment including amplified sound, generators, stages, platforms, tents, etc.

In all other cases, a permit is required.

Close up maps of each designated area are available in the Presidio Trust Compendium (see Exhibits 4-A through 4-E, pgs. 40-45).

Individuals and small groups of up to 25 participants may exercise First Amendment activities without a permit only at the designated First Amendment Areas. Close up maps of each designated area are available in the Presidio Trust Compendium (see Exhibits 4-A through 4-E, pgs. 40-45).

You must obtain a permit for all other spaces, regardless of group size.

You must obtain a permit.

You must obtain a permit if you use significant equipment including amplified sound, generators, platforms, tents, etc.

Small hand-held signs and tables are permitted without a permit.

The designated First Amendment Areas are available on a first-come, first-served basis for unpermitted uses. If another group is using the space, your group may go to another designated First Amendment Area on the map.

If two or more unpermitted groups seek to use the same First Amendment Area at the same time, and the area cannot reasonably accommodate them, the later-arriving group may be directed to relocate to another nearby designated First Amendment Area.

Yes. A validly issued permit will guarantee the space to the group holding the permit. The permitted group will have priority for the space over all others.

The Trust only writes permits for the Tunnel Tops Picnic Place, Western Lawn, and East Meadow, depending on group size.

A First Amendment permit is required for any First Amendment activity that meets one or more of the following criteria:

• Requesting an area not designated as a First Amendment Area on the map above;
• Groups larger than 25 participants;
• Utilizes significant equipment including amplified sound, generators, platforms, tents, etc.; or
• Would like a guarantee of priority use of a specific location.

Yes. The activities must not violate an applicable law or regulation (including without limitation, the Presidio Trust regulations at 36 CFR 1001, et seq, on preservation of natural, cultural and archeological resources, audio disturbances, disorderly conduct, harassment of visitors, and obstruction of pedestrians or vehicles, etc.). The activities must not unreasonably interfere with other permitted demonstrations, special events, or park program activities.

Email us at outdoorevents@presidiotrust.gov to obtain an application. Once you submit a completed application, please allow up to 10 days for us to process your application. We encourage you to submit your application as far in advance of your planned activity so you can be guaranteed your requested space.

Permits for First Amendment activities are issued at no cost to the permittee. Many of the activities not covered by the First Amendment can be accommodated through a Special Use Permit for which costs will be charged.