I’m a landscape photographer and I must admit I haven’t checked on this issue in a few years, but the interpretation of the law was that as long as it’s just a photographer, a camera, and a tripod you wouldn’t need a permit. If it’s an elaborate commercial shoot with lights, models, or assistants, then a permit is necessary. However, as we all know, interpretations have been known to change.
"Commercial" photographic license probably (but I have no idea) includes gallery prints, posters, stock photography, greeting cards, advertising, book covers, album covers, etc. And apparently "journalism" itself is commercial (you got paid for it, didn't you?).
We have a public funded privately held park in this city. You have to pay to take graduation photos, engagement photos, and quiencierra photos there (about a hundred dollars a day, if I recall).