Lake Property Access Permits

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

 

The Oklahoma City Utilities Department issues permits to individuals, corporations, contractors, clubs and and non-profit groups to host special events or gain temporary access for commercial shoots or utility needs along the City's three lakefronts at Lake Hefner, Lake Overholser and Lake Stanley Draper. Portions of lake property can be reserved on a temporary basis for activities such as atheletic events, festivals or carnivals, family reuinions, filming events and other activities that would attract a large number of people. Photography permits for commercial shoots are also required. Contractors are also required to apply for Temporary Access permits if accessing OCWUT property to perform maintenance.

Permits are approved after an application is submitted using our Accela online application and payment system, the Accela Citizen Access Portal (ACA).

In applying for a permit, applicants agree to abide by all City ordinances and all Oklahoma City Water Utilities Trust regulations for use as per the Oklahoma City Municipal Code. These include requirements for sanitation, security, portable restroom access, alternate parking and traffic control as may be necessary for the event. 

Applictions must be received 10 business days in advance of the scheduled event start date to be considered. Applications received less than 10 business days in advance may not be approved.

For access to the Lighthouse at Lake Hefner, please contact the Hogan Property Group at (405) 606-8700, or email tarac@hoganprop.com.

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.

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.

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.

How to Apply

Follow these prompts to apply for a permit:

  1. Create an account using the City's ACCELA Citizen Access Portal.
  2. Once your account is created and you verify your account via email, log in and 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. You will then see individual permits 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. Visa, Mastercard and Discover Card only are accepted. Various fees may apply based upon the permit type and other factors. 

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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