Lake Property Access Permits

Photo of bicyclists near a balloon arch with Lake Stanley Draper in the background.

 

The Oklahoma City Utilities Department issues temporary access permits for special events, large group activities, commercial photography/videography in designated areas around the City’s three lakefronts: Lake Hefner, Lake Overholser and Lake Stanley Draper.  

Types of activities permitted:

  • Athletic events (runs, organized bicycle rides, etc.)
  • Family reunions
  • Festivals or carnivals
  • Film or commercial shoot productions
  • Other large public or private gatherings

Contractors who need access to OCWUT property for maintenance or utility-related work must also apply for a Temporary Access Permit.

The Lighthouse at Lake Henfer

The City does not manage the Lighthouse at Lake Hefner. To rent the lighthouse area, contact the Hogan Property Group at (405) 606-8700, or email tarac@hoganprop.com.

Picnic Pavilions and Shelters

Small shelters and picnic pavilions are managed by the Oklahoma City Parks & Recreation Department. Call (405) 297-3882 or visit the Pavilions and Shelters page for rental information.

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted using the Accela Citizen Access (ACA) online application and payment system (see instructions below). Permits will be approved once staff has reviewed them and verified that all information is correct. 

When applying for a permit, applicants agree to follow all ordinances and regulations for lake property use as set forth in the Oklahoma City Municipal Code and Oklahoma City Water Utilities Trust. These include requirements for sanitation, security, portable restroom access, alternate parking and traffic control as may be needed for the event. 

Applications must be received at least 10 business days ahead of the scheduled event start date to be considered. Applications submitted less than 10 business days in advance are not guaranteed approval.

To apply, follow these instructions:

  1. Create an account using the City's ACCELA Citizen Access Portal.
  2. Once your account is created and verified via email, log in then click on the "Create an Application" link in the blue bar on the Accela main page.
  3. Accept the General Disclaimer in the text box, then click "Continue Application."
  4. Click on the Utilities tab at the top of the page. Individual Utilities permits are listed on the page. Select the "Temporary Permit Application" button, then click "Continue Application."
  5. Follow the prompts to complete your application, including uploading a site map and insurance form. Site maps are required for all activities.
  6. Payment may be made online. Only Visa, Mastercard and Discover Card are accepted. Various fees may apply based upon the permit type and other considerations.

Permit Types

Permit types

Permit requirements vary based upon the type and size of event, amenities needed, special equipment used and anticipated attendance. The cost for each permit also varies based upon individual event needs. In some cases, additional permits for use of Parks & Recreation property or use of tents or other amenities may be required. A City of Oklahoma City Revocable Permit may also be required under certain circumstances. 

  • Temporary Access Permit: (1-3 days) - Non-refundable, includes application fee
  • Special Event Use Permit: 1-50 people (1-3 days) - Non-refundable, includes application fee
  • Temporary Revocable Permit: Over 50 people (1-3 days) - Non-refundable, includes application fee
  • Special Event Vendor Permit: Vendor list and site layout required, includes application fee
  • Filming Permit (per day)
  • Motion Pictures/Video Staging Area Land Use Permit (per day)
  • Commercial Still Photography Land Use Permit (per day)

Damage deposits may also be required for certain types of events.

Permit Fee Schedule

Temporary Access Permit (1-3 days)                                           $25/day
(non-refundable, includes application fee)

Special Event Use Permit: 1-50 people (1-3 days)                      $25/day
(non-refundable, includes application fee)

Temporary Revocable Permit: Over 50 people (1-3 days)          $100/day
(non-refundable, includes application fee)

Special Event Vendor Permits
(vendor list and site layout required, includes application fee)    

  • 1 Vendor                  $25/day
  • 2-10 Vendors           $150/day
  • 11-25 Vendors         $200/day
  • 26-50 Vendors         $250/day
  • 50+ Vendors            $300/day

Filming Permit Application Fee                                                       $25/day
(non-refundable)
Filming Permit (per day)
Motion Pictures/Video Staging Area Land Use Permit (per day)

  • 1-30 people             $250/day
  • 31-60 people           $500/day
  • Over 60 people       $600/day

Commercial Still Photography Land Use Permit (per day)

  • 1-10 people             $100/day
  • 11-30 people           $150/day
  • Over 30 people       $250/day

Damage Deposit, up to 150 people            $250/day
Damage Deposit, more than 150 people    $500/day

The General Manager may also require sanitation, security, restroom, alternate parking and traffic control devices and personnel as may be deemed necessary. Speak with our one of our Property Management team members at (405) 297-2422 for details. 



Insurance Requirements

Insurance

All permittes are required to carry and maintain liability insurance against claims for bodily injury, personal injury, death or property damage occurring or arising out of the conduct of the permitted business or activity. The limits of liability shall not be less than $1 million combined single limig personal injury and property damage insurance. The City of Oklahoma City and Oklahoma City Water Utilities Trust must be listed as additional insured.

Lake Access Permit Rules

Lake Event Permit Rules

  • Smoking is not allowed in any on OWCUT property.
  • Alcoholic beverages are not allowed on any OCWUT property; however, pursuant to Municipal Code 300-158, the OCWUT General Manager is authorized but is under no obligation to grant a special permit for the sale or use of alcohol on lake reservation property.
  • All vehicles must remain on roadways or in parking lots. Parking on grass is prohibited.
  • When required, the Oklahoma City Police Department must be contacted for traffic-control or other purposes. 
  • Applicants must remove all trash immediately following their event.
  • No permanent signage may be erected at the event site. 
  • Tents and weather covers must be held down using sandbags or water barrels. No stakes are allowed.
  • Events must be accessible to persons with disabilities.
  • Other rules may also apply. 

In the event of a scheduling conflict, preference will be given to previously-permitted annual events that operate on or around the same date or time each year.

Contact

For questions regarding lake access or events, call a member of the Utilities property management team at (405) 297-2422. Office hours are Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. until 5 p.m.

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