Film Permit Requirements
A Film Permit is required for all commercial filming and still photography activities within the City of La Cañada Flintridge, including:
- Motion picture, radio, and television productions (e.g., feature films, non-current news segments)
- Commercial still photography (e.g., images for advertisements in magazines, catalogs, or online media)
- Student film or photography projects
A separate permit application is required for each property used.
Permitted Hours
- Monday – Saturday: 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
- Extended hours: Filming may begin at 6:00 a.m. and end by 11:59 p.m. with City approval
- Prohibited: Filming is not allowed on Sundays, City holidays, or between 12:00 a.m. and 5:59 a.m.
Permit Fees
- $200 – Non-refundable Application Fee
- $100 – Permit Fee
- $1 per notice – Notification fee for properties within a 300-foot radius
(Re-notification fee applies if changes are made after initial mailings.)
- $175 – Traffic Engineer Review (if applicable)
- $1,500/day – Right-of-Way/Public Facility Use Fee
View Full Fee Schedule
How to Apply
Complete the City’s Online Application no later than 12:00 p.m., five business days before the scheduled start date (excluding City holidays). A complete application includes:
- Application form with all fields completed (enter “None” where applicable)
- Signed Permission to Use Property form by property owner
- Proof of insurance with “City of La Cañada Flintridge” listed as additional insured (PDF must be uploaded on final page of the application)
Insurance Requirements
- General and Auto Liability:
$1,000,000 per occurrence for bodily injury and property damage
$2,000,000 aggregate total
- High-risk activities (e.g., chase scenes, stunts, aircraft use):
$2,000,000 per occurrence
The City must be named as additional insured by endorsement on all policies, covering legal defense costs as well.
Only applications that include all required materials will be reviewed. Incomplete applications will not be accepted or processed.
Once a complete application is submitted, City staff will contact the applicant regarding fees and next steps to secure the permit.
Municipal Code 6.04
2. Do I Need a Permit?
A permit is required for all commercial filming or still photography activities on public or private property, unless exempt (see below).
Exemptions:
- News reporting or live broadcasting of current events.
- Filming by public agencies (e.g., government PSAs).
- Personal one-day life event photography (e.g., birthdays) with no paid services.
3. General Restrictions (on the document it’s titled General Prohibition)
- Hours of Operation: Filming allowed only between 7:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. (Properties greater than 100 acres are exempt).
- Extended hours require neighbor approval signatures. (51% of the signature approvals from property owners or tenants within 500 feet and 75% signature approvals from property owners or tenants of adjacent properties of the production location.)
- No filming on Sundays or major holidays (Properties greater than 100 acres are exempt).
- No filming between 12:00 a.m. and 6:00 a.m. (Properties greater than 100 acres are exempt).
- Special effects must comply with the City's noise ordinance.
- All parking must be off-street parking. Any use of on-street parking will require a comprehensive parking plan.
- No full street closures permitted; only intermediate closures allowed with a Traffic Control Plan.
What is a Filming/Still Photography Activity?
(Leave as is from the current table.)
4. Permit Types and Time Limits
Zoning Type |
Max Days/Quarter |
Max Days/Year |
Residential/Open Space/Public |
6 |
24 |
Other Zones (e.g., Commercial) |
15 |
60 |
Exceeding Limits Requires:
- Permit application at least 10 business days before production start.
- 75% approval from property owners within 500 feet.
- 100% approval from adjacent properties with a structure.
5. Required Application Timeline
Step |
Deadline |
Application Submission |
By 7:00 a.m., 5 business days before filming |
Neighborhood Notification |
4 business days before filming |
Permit Approval Decision |
By 5:00 p.m. the day before filming |
Signature Submission (if applicable) |
48 hours before filming |
6. Application Checklist
Submit your application to the Processing Agency with the following:
- Applicant and business details
- Site address and detailed production plan
- Site map (production setup and parking)
- Property Owner’s Affidavit
- Production details: hours, dates, crew size, equipment, special effects, drone use
- Parking plan (if off-site)
- Signature petitions (if required)
Note: Applications cannot be amended after neighbor notifications have been mailed.
7. Fees & Exemptions
Fees are set by the City Council and available as part of the master fee schedule.
Exempt from Fees:
- Student projects (with school letter)
- Charitable or nonprofit productions
Permits are still required, even if exempt from fees.
8. Production in the Public Right-of-Way
If filming on streets or sidewalks:
- Submit a Traffic Control Plan
- Will be required to provide and setup “No Parking” signage
- Maintain ADA-compliant pedestrian access
- Sheriff's Department presence required (cost borne by applicant)
9. Conditions of Approval
Permit approval may include conditions related to:
- Off-street parking
- Noise and lighting control
- Temporary structures and equipment
- Public health and safety
- Insurance (minimum $1M–$2M coverage)
- Indemnification of the City
A copy of the permit must be on-site at all times.
10. Insurance Requirements
- General and Auto Liability: Minimum $1M per occurrence; $2M aggregate
- Special Effects/Stunts/Aircraft: $2M per occurrence
- Workers’ Compensation per CA Labor Code
- City named as additional insured
- Proof of insurance filed with City prior to production
11. Permit Decision & Appeals
- Permits are issued or denied by 5:00 p.m. the day before filming begins.
- Permit may be denied if:
- Application is incomplete or inaccurate
- 60% of neighbors object (when no signature approval is required)
- Past permit violations
- Public health or safety is at risk
Appeals:
- Must be submitted in writing 24 hours prior to production start
- Only those notified or the applicant may appeal
- Decision made by the City Manager within 24 hours; decision is final
12. Violations & Revocation
The City may revoke a permit immediately for:
- Fraudulent applications
- Permit condition violations
- Law violations or unsafe practices
- Nuisance creation
Consequence: Permittee may be banned from filming for up to one year.
Violations are punishable as:
- Misdemeanor, or
- Administrative citation
13. Business License Exemption
A film permit holder is not required to obtain a separate business license for production activities.
14. Contact Information
Processing Agency Contact:
Administrative Services Department
City of La Cañada Flintridge
📞 (818) 790-8880
📧 Filmpermit@lcf.ca.gov
Municipal Code 6.04