CHAPTER 3. Uniform Film Permit [14999.20. - 14999.37.]

Cal. Government Code - GOV 3.
in effect

Cal. Government Code - GOV § 14999.20. Section 14999.20.

The California Film Commission shall, with input from the media production industry and local and state government, develop and adopt a “model process for granting film permits.” The process shall contain but not be limited to the following provisions: (a) A designated person to deal with industry whose responsibilities shall include, but not be limited to: (1) The attraction of media production to the jurisdiction. (2) Assistance in expediting to the greatest extent possible the issuances of all use permits necessary for media production. (b) Maximum time requirements to grant permits. (c) Permits shall be valid for the period of time necessary to film a specific shot or sequence of shots. Minor additions, corrections, or alterations to a permit shall be made available by way of application for a “rider.” Significant changes to the original permit shall require a new permit application. (d) Coordinating of multijurisdictional filming. (e) A suggested fee schedule for media production permits which is reasonably related to the cost of providing services occasioned by media production, including administrative, police, fire, sanitation, and other necessary services. (f) A uniform permit application-permit form.

Cal. Government Code - GOV § 14999.21. Section 14999.21.

(a) The California Film Commission shall send to each city and county a copy of the model process for granting film permits for local consideration. (b) At least 30 days prior to the adoption of or an amendment to the written filming policy of a local government, the local government shall submit a draft of the ordinance or amendment to the director of the commission. The commission shall review drafts submitted to it and report its findings to the local government within five working days of receipt of the draft. The local legislative body shall consider the commission’s findings prior to final adoption of the ordinance or amendment unless the commission’s findings are not available within the above prescribed time limits. Any and all findings made by the commission pursuant to this section shall be advisory to local government. (c) Each local government shall provide the commission with a copy of its adopted filming ordinance or amendments.

Cal. Government Code - GOV § 14999.31. Section 14999.31.

The California Film Commission and its director shall encourage the use of the uniform application form described in Section 14999.32 for obtaining a local permit to engage in media production within the jurisdiction of a county, city, or city and county. As used for the uniform application form, “film” includes, but is not limited to, feature motion pictures, digital media, television motion pictures, commercials, and still photography. “Production” means the activity of making a film for commercial or noncommercial purposes on property owned by a county, city, or city and county, or on private property within the jurisdiction of a county, city, or city and county.

Cal. Government Code - GOV § 14999.32. Section 14999.32.

The uniform film permit application form shall include all of the following provisions: (a) The name, address, email, and telephone number of the applicant or duly authorized representative, and, if available, of the director, first assistant director, unit production manager, or location manager. (b) The name, email, telephone number, and address of the individual or production company to whom the permit is to be issued. (c) The type of the production or project. (d) The date(s), time(s), and location(s) (including preparation and striking days). (e) A brief description of the proposed filming activity, including any other activity which would affect the use of public facilities in the area. (f) An estimate of the number of individuals in cast and crew. (g) An estimate of the types and number of vehicles. (h) If an applicant intends to use either wild animals, chemicals, explosives, or fire, or intends to engage in any other hazardous activity, a statement to that effect. (i) Any additional information the county, city, or city and county deems necessary.

Cal. Government Code - GOV § 14999.33. Section 14999.33.

(a) If a county, city, or city and county requires a permit for media production, it is encouraged to use the uniform film permit application form when processing film permit applications. (b) A completed uniform film permit application which has been approved by the county, city, or city and county shall constitute the local film permit.

Cal. Government Code - GOV § 14999.35. Section 14999.35.

No fee which is greater than the actual cost incurred shall be charged by any county, city, city and county, or special district for media production which occurs entirely on private property.

Cal. Government Code - GOV § 14999.36. Section 14999.36.

A city or county may adopt an ordinance or other regulation governing the issuance of permits to engage in the use of property for occasional commercial filming, on location, pursuant to Section 65302.9.

Cal. Government Code - GOV § 14999.37. Section 14999.37.

(a) A local or state public official involved in the granting of a film permit may not require directly or indirectly a charitable donation or any other consideration in exchange for granting, or supporting the granting of, a film permit. (b) Nothing in this section shall be construed to limit the authority of a local agency to assess impact fees as part of the film permitting process. (c) A local or state public official who fails to comply with subdivision (a) shall be subject to a civil penalty of not less than one thousand dollars ($1,000) and not to exceed five thousand dollars ($5,000). (d) The local district attorney, city attorney, or the Attorney General may bring an action pursuant to this section to collect the penalty imposed pursuant to subdivision (b).
Source: CA Legislative Counsel Bulk DataURL: https://downloads.leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/pubinfo_2025.zipFetched: 6/27/2026

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