BART offers various permits that can be applied for and tracked through an online portal.
Permits can be obtained for holding special events in BART parking lots and plazas, for expressive activity in the free area of BART, filming on BART property, construction/utility/wireless/fiber, and plan review.
Online Permit Application Process with OpenGov:
BART has teamed up with OpenGov to streamline its permitting process. The OpenGov system will allow for faster processing times and give the applicant the ability to track where its permit is in the permitting approval process.
All permit details, applications and rules can be found in the online portal.
The OpenGov Portal is provided at https://bartca.portal.opengov.com
Special Event Permit (fee)
This permit is for having an event lasting one day or less that intends to utilize the parking or plaza at a BART Station. Typical uses are overflow parking for nearby events, informational booths or other community events. View the rules and application on our application portal.
FY24 and FY25 Fee Schedule Changes
Pursuant to Resolution No. 5560, adopted by the BART’s Board of Directors on June 8th, 2023, BART’s Fee Schedule for Permits, Easements, Special Events, and Plan Review has been amended and is effective July 1, 2024.
Permit to Engage in Expressive Activity (no fee)
This permit is for those who wish to exercise their right to free speech and express a point of view in the free area of BART property. Examples include speeches without sound amplification and artistic performances such as singing without amplification.
For activities promoting a commercial entity (whether for-profit or not-for-profit), please go to the advertising page for details about advertising and contact information to obtain rates for a paid promotion.
Interested parties who wish to obtain a Permit to Engage in Expressive Activity can visit the application portal.
- This permit only covers the free areas of stations as this activity is not permitted in the paid areas. This permit is not available for the Oakland International Airport, Berryessa, or Milpitas stations. Assemblies, demonstrations, distributing written pamphlets or other materials, gathering petition signatures or register voters in the Paid Areas of BART Stations is not allowed.
- No sound amplification is allowed.
- The expressive activity permit is not a concession permit to sell goods. The only time goods are allowed to be sold with this permit is when the product has an expressive value (items that themselves express a political, religious, philosophical, or ideological message). Or if the sale of the good is "inextricably intertwined" with speech that disseminates information about a particular cause or view.
- An application should be submitted at least seven (7) calendar days, but no more than thirty (30) calendar days, prior to the date of the proposed activity.
Full rules, not listed above, are provided here. Please read thoroughly before filing an application for the Permit to Engage in Expressive Activity
Please send questions about this program to [email protected].
Permits for Film/Video and Photography (fee)
Commercial photographers and videographers and a variety of other filming requires a permit while filming on BART property.
WHEN A PERMIT IS NOT REQUIRED:
If you are in areas accessible to the public and you are travelling our system going from one place to another, you are free to capture images and video provided you do not appear to be a security threat, are not involved in a commercial activity/film production, and are not harassing other riders. If, however, you appear to be taking photographs of potentially sensitive areas or are obviously involved in some commercial enterprise (e.g., an advertising agency or film production), BART employees and/or BART Police Officers may approach and take action against you. Using professional equipment including but not limited to booms, discrete lighting, dollys, or any cameras larger than a handheld device are prohibited without a film permit.
WHEN A PERMIT IS REQUIRED:
Capturing motion or still images on BART property for commercial, educational or non-profit purposes requires a photography/film permit.
- Mandatory proof of insurance is required.
- An application fee, a location fee, fees for use of BART equipment and services, and a fee for BART staff time will be assessed.
- All applicable fees must be paid in full by certified check and insurance requirements must be met before you begin your activity on BART property.
If you have determined a permit is required, please use the OpenGov application portal to apply for a Permit for Film/Video and Photography.
Submitting an application does not guarantee that BART will issue a Permit. BART’s primary purpose is to provide safe, secure, reliable, and clean transportation services to its passengers. BART may, at its sole discretion, deny your application to prevent interference with BART’s primary transportation responsibilities.
A typical permit requires one month lead time due to the planning involved, signing staff up to work the shift, insurance review, and time to have the final check in hand before the day of filming. You may check with staff by emailing [email protected] if a quicker turnaround is possible.
IF YOU REQUIRE A PERMIT:
Please check the application, insurance requirements and fee policy (all located in the OpenGov application portal on the Permits homepage under Communications department).
Before you fill out the application, please note the following:
- BART must receive both your application and application fee, in the form of a certified check or money order, no less than 20 business days (excluding BART administrative holidays) before your first proposed shoot date.
- BART will not process your application until after we have received your application fee. We accept certified checks, money orders, wire transfers and credit cards. The application fee is $350. Students pay $30.
- Students will be required to show proof they are registered in an accredited learning institution, as well as proof that the shoot is for a current school project for credit.
- BART will not issue any permit until all fees, including location fees and staff time fees, are paid in full via certified check, money order, wire transfer or credit card.
- BART will not issue permits until its Insurance Department approves all required insurance certificate(s). Be sure your COI meets all the requirement outlined in our Insurance Requirements document in the OpenGov portal.