LOCALE: San Antonio Missions : Concepción, San José, San Juan, Espada

[OTRphoto]

Since someone here at work asked... I figured I'd look into the fees and rules for shooting at the missions. I spoke with Ranger Greg Smith yesterday and was told pretty much what I have pasted below from their website.

He said it's $100, he needs at lease 4 days advance notice to prepare the permit, fax it to you, you sign it and fax it back. But he did say that one permit is good for ALL day - so mattter how many different subjects you shoot.. so if you can schedule a few there in a day - it'll bring the cost per customer down.

The $100 is if you use the park during 'normal' business hours. If you wish to use it at any other time (like sunrise/sunset/night) there would be an additional charge.

This information is for the following 4 missions run by the National Park Service:

Mission Concepción
807 Mission Road
San Antonio, Texas 78210

Mission San José
6701 San José Drive
San Antonio, Texas 78214

Mission San Juan
9101 Graf Road
San Antonio, Texas 78214

Mission Espada
10040 Espada Road
San Antonio, Texas 78214

Open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Closed Thanksgiving Day, December 25, and January 1.

Photography
http://www.nps.gov/saan/parkmgmt/photography.htm

Time slows as a person roams the mission grounds. A feeling of tranquillity settles on a photographer in search for a certain line, that elusive shadow, and the unexpected color. Whether looking to capture a shot of man-made or natural wonders, a photographer will readily find something to take away.

Simple Rules

To preserve and protect the venerable places of this park, we ask for all photographers to:
1. not pose any subjects or place any equipment on the historical stone structures,
2. not block the entrances to any area, and
3. act with propriety both in the Church and on the park grounds.

Professional Photographers
Effective June 15, 2006, a permit is needed for professional and commercial photo shoots.


When is a permit needed?

All commercial filming activities taking place within a unit of the National Park system require a permit. Commercial filming includes capturing a moving image on film and video as well as sound recordings.

Still photographers require a permit when

1. the activity takes place at location(s) where or when members of the public are generally not allowed; or
2. the activity uses model(s), sets(s), or prop(s) that are not a part of the location’s natural or cultural resources or administrative facilities; or
3. Park would incur additional administrative costs to monitor the activity.

How do I apply for apply for a permit?

Download an application (available on the site - javascript - so I can't put a link)

Please submit a completed application along with the application fee to the park at least fourteen (14) days in advance of your planned date. In addition, you should request a meeting with park staff if your proposed activity is unusual or complex. Early consultation with park staff will help them process the application in a timely manner once it is submitted.

What fees will I have to pay?

The National Park Service is authorized to collect two fees; cost recovery fee and a location fee.

Cost recovery includes the application fee of $50.00, which must be submitted with your application, Additional cost recovery fees may be collected, depending on the size and complexity of your permit.

In addition, the National Park Service has been directed by Congress to collect a location fee to provide a fair return to the United States for the use of park lands of $50

[kenw]

sounds reasonable. Other sites could model this policy.

[RTexasRose]

Is that $100 per day per mission, or does that cover all 4?