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Film Rules & FAQ

Common questions about filming in Santa Clarita for productions, residents, and property owners

The City of Santa Clarita’s Filming Policy and General Filming Rules set the standards for film activity in Santa Clarita. Productions are responsible for following all City filming requirements, permit conditions and applicable local, county, state and federal laws.

General Filming Rules

Permit rules, requirements and exceptions for filming within the City of Santa Clarita

Review General Filming Rules

Filming Policy

Legal requirements for filming on public/private property, streets, City facilities and residences

View Municipal Code, Chapter 11.46

Still have questions?

Call the Santa Clarita Film Office at (661) 284-1425 or email film@santaclarita.gov. We’re here to help.
Contact Us

Permits

Almost all filming in Santa Clarita requires a permit, whether you’re on private property, a public street, or a City-owned location. The permit is how Film Office staff coordinates safety, neighbor notification, and City department review on your behalf.

Yes, with three exceptions: news crews, family home videos, and filming that takes place entirely inside a certified sound stage. Everything else, including shoots on private property, requires a permit.

For standard filming, submit at least 3 working days before your shoot. Plan for at least 5 or more working days if your project involves complicated filming, sensitive areas, gunfire, special effects, City-owned locations, “No Parking” signs, intermittent traffic control, or road closures. City-owned property requires at least one week.

Yes. Email your application to film@santaclarita.gov and send remaining documents such as your insurance certificate and endorsement as they come in. Just leave enough lead time for review before your shoot date.

Up to 10 locations over a period of up to 14 days. Episodic television requires a new permit for each episode.

Yes, but all changes require a formal rider, are subject to rider fees, and require additional approval. Handwritten edits on the permit are not valid.

Insurance & Payment

Insurance and payment must both be in order before a permit is issued. Getting these submitted early avoids delays on your start date.

You need a Certificate of Insurance naming the City of Santa Clarita as additionally insured, with a minimum of $1,000,000 in general liability coverage, or $5,000,000 for any aerial work. You also need an insurance endorsement, not just the certificate. The endorsement must name the City as endorsement holder, reference the same policy number as the certificate, and confirm that general liability coverage is primary and non-contributory. Proof of Worker’s Compensation is also required in most cases.

All fees and deposits are due before the permit is issued. Any additional charges for City staff, Sheriff deputies, and similar services must be paid within 10 days of filming. Cash, check, and credit card are accepted. Late payments are invoiced to the production company.

Neighborhood Outreach

Film Office staff handles all official neighbor notification on behalf of productions and bills the cost back to production. Some shoots require an additional step called a signature survey.

Film Office staff notifies all residents and businesses within 500 feet of your filming location at least 2 working days before your first shoot day. More complex shoots may require a larger notification area, which will be determined on a case-by-case basis.

A signature survey is a canvass of affected residents asking them to indicate support or opposition to your planned filming activity. The Film Office provides the form and address list; production collects the signatures. All residents and businesses within the survey area must be given opportunity to respond. A significant majority must be in support for the activity to be approved. All signatures must be on file before the permit is issued. Surveys are typically required for night shoots, long term filming, and road closures.

Filming Hours

Standard filming hours keep things predictable for neighborhoods. Anything outside those hours requires extra steps.

7:00 am to 10:00 pm, daily. No additional approval is needed to film within these hours.

Yes, but filming outside standard hours will most likely require a signature survey showing significant support from affected residents and businesses. Build this into your pre-production schedule, as surveys must be completed before your permit is issued.

Yes. External lighting may not be directed into public streets without prior approval, or onto private property without approval from the property owner. Plan your lighting angles and secure any necessary approvals before your shoot day.

Parking & Traffic

Production vehicles and equipment need to be planned and coordinated in advance. Street access is not assumed and parking on area streets is not permitted without approval.

Not without approval from the Film Office. Production must secure a designated basecamp and cast/crew parking location. “No Parking” signs must be posted at least 48 hours in advance to be enforceable. Any vehicles within 50 feet of driveways or street corners must maintain visibility, and vehicle stairs must face away from the road.

ITC is limited to 2 minutes per stop unless otherwise approved. LA County Sheriff deputies are required for most roadway ITC. Production is responsible for ordering and paying for deputies through the Film Office.

A detailed traffic control plan must be submitted and approved by City staff prior to implementing the closure. Major arterials are subject to review and do not guarantee approval. A professional traffic control company must handle all devices. LA County Sheriff may also be required.

All driving shots require a film permit. Unless pre-authorized by the City, all camera cars and production vehicles must travel with the flow of traffic and obey all traffic laws. Process trailers with sides down require LA County Sheriff deputies on site.

Sheriff & Fire

The LA County Sheriff Department is the law enforcement agency for Santa Clarita and can enforce, modify, or revoke your permit for safety reasons. The Film Office submits all permits to the LA County Fire Department for review.

Deputies may be are required for any intermittent traffic control on a roadway and for process trailers with sides down. They may also be required for safety, gunfire and road closures. Film Office staff coordinates ordering; production pays.

All permits are submitted to the LA County Fire Department Film Unit, which determines whether Fire Safety Officers, Advisors, or water trucks are needed. The cost of Fire’s permit review is collected with permit fees. If Fire Safety Advisors are required, production is responsible for paying their hourly rate separate from permit fees. 

Yes. Any authorized City representative, including Sheriffs and Fire Department personnel, can suspend or cancel a permit if filming activities endanger health and safety or cause damage to property. The City also reserves the right to cancel any permit at any time. Staying in full compliance with your permit conditions is your best protection.

Special Effects, Gunfire & Aerial Filming

These activities carry higher risk and require extra steps before your permit is approved. Start the process early.

Any use of flammable materials, explosive devices, or open flames. This includes burn gags, simulated explosions, atmospheric haze from flammable fluid, and live fire. If you are unsure whether something qualifies, call the Santa Clarita Film Office or LA County Fire Film Unit before planning the shot. Special effects require both a City film permit and a separate permit from the LA County Fire Department. A licensed pyrotechnics operator is required.

Yes. Any use or brandishing of firearms, real or prop, must be identified in your permit application. A Sheriff deputy may be required on set, and neighborhood notification may need to extend beyond the standard 500 feet.

You must provide FAA acceptance verification before any aerial activity is permitted. Insurance minimum increases to $5,000,000. A Fire Safety Officer may be required at the landing and refueling site, and a 4,000-gallon water truck must be present at the landing area at all times.

For drone use, insurance minimum increases to $2,000,000 and productions must provide drone registration certs, verification of pilot license, and a detailed plan of activities.

City Property, Students & Nonprofits

Special rules and fee exemptions apply to certain types of productions. Read this section if you are filming at a City-owned location, working on a student project, or representing a nonprofit organization.

Contact the Film Office at least one week before filming. Permission is handled through your film permit and Film Office staff coordinates with all relevant City departments on your behalf.  A film monitor, billed to production, is required for all filming on City-owned property. Property use fees vary by facility. Contact the Film Office for rates and availability.

Yes, but most student permits cost nothing. To qualify for fee exemptions, provide insurance and endorsement from your school and a letter from your professor or advisor verifying your student status, the project title and shoot dates. Submit at least one week before your first filming date. Filming exclusively on your school’s campus is exempt unless it involves complex activities.

Filming on City-owned property or in areas requiring a Film Monitor outside of regular office hours may be subject to fees.

Charitable organizations may be exempt from some administration fees. A 501(c)(3) determination letter must be on file before the permit is issued. Contact the Film Office to confirm which fees apply to your project.

On Set & Wrap

Production responsibilities continue through wrap day. Staying within the boundaries of the permit and leaving a location in good condition keeps your relationship with the community in good standing.

Restore all filming sites to their original condition. Remove all production signage within 48 hours or the City may remove it and charge a fee. Use only City-franchised trash haulers or self-haul all waste. Help the City of Santa Clarita reduce landfill waste by arranging recycling services, including food waste recycling. You are also encouraged to donate surplus edible food to a local Food Recovery Partner for redistribution to people in need. Click here to learn more.

If you performed a wet-down, ensure the road is dry before leaving.

Yes. Production must allow inspection by City of Santa Clarita staff at any time. A copy of the approved permit must remain at the filming location throughout the shoot.

For Residents & Property Owners

If you received a filming notice, have concerns about a nearby shoot, or want to get involved in the local film industry, this section is for you.

The letter or door-hanger will outline what is planned and who to contact with questions. If you have a concern, call the Film Office or the Location Manager listed on your notice while the issue is happening so it can be addressed right away. Most concerns are resolved quickly by phone. You can also email film@santaclarita.gov with a formal written concern.

Location management companies actively scout properties for filming. The Resource Library page on the Film Santa Clarita website lists local location management companies. You can also list your property or business on Film Santa Clarita’s Location Library at no charge. Property owners should refer to the Filming On Your Property page of the website for helpful tips and best practices.

Most productions run closed sets on location. If you are interested in watching, check with a crew member first. Some productions allow viewing from designated areas. Always wait until a take has finished before approaching crew, and stay quiet while filming is in progress.

For security reasons, Film Santa Clarita cannot share real-time details about active shoots. Information is posted on the Filmed in Santa Clarita section of the website and on social media after projects have wrapped or premiered.

By the time a production is filming on location, extras are usually already selected. Visit the Jobs and Workforce page on the Film Santa Clarita website for casting resources and background performer registration.

Film Santa Clarita offers free listings in the Production Resources section of the website. Click “Add Your Resource to our Library” and follow the instructions. To update or remove a listing, email film@santaclarita.gov with the listing title and requested changes.

Film Rules

Night Filming
Filming before 7:00 a.m. or after 10:00 p.m.

When it applies: Any filming activity including prep and strike outside of standard hours.

Why additional review: Out-of-hours filming impacts nearby residents and businesses. A Signature Survey showing neighborhood support is typically required.

Next steps: Let us know early. Film Office will provide the survey form and a map of addresses to canvass. Allow extra lead time for this process.

Extended Filming
Multi-day, recurring, or long-term filming activity

When it applies: Filming at one location for more than 5 consecutive days, or recurring activity at the same location.

Why additional review: Extended stays can impact residents and may require a Signature Survey depending on the nature and location of the activity.

Next steps: Include all planned dates in your application. Film Office staff will advise on whether a survey is needed.

Traffic Control
Intermittent traffic control, rolling holds, driving shots, or other traffic impacts

When it applies: Any filming that requires holding or redirecting vehicle or pedestrian traffic.

Why additional review: Intermittent Traffic Control may require LA County Sheriff deputies. Stops are limited to 2 minutes maximum unless otherwise approved.

Next steps: Note traffic needs in your application. The Film Office will arrange Sheriff deputies if required.

Road Closures
Full or partial closures of public streets or rights-of-way

When it applies: Any full or partial closure of a public road or lane for filming.

Why additional review: A detailed traffic control plan is required before a permit can be approved. Major arterials are subject to review and do not guarantee approval.

Next steps: Provide the road name and section, affected lanes, and planned dates in your application. A professional traffic control company must handle all installation and removal.

Sheriff’s Oversight
Traffic control, weapons, crowd management, or public safety needs

When it applies: Productions requesting Sheriff’s presence for safety, or when Sheriff’s oversight is required for certain closures, traffic control, etc.

Why additional review: LA County Sheriff deputies maintain public safety and have authority to enforce, modify, or revoke permit conditions on set.

Next steps: Film Office books deputies and collects payment on your behalf. Sheriff costs are billed to your production.

Special Effects
Explosions, fire, smoke, pyrotechnics, rain machines, or practical effects

When it applies: Any use of flammable materials, explosive devices, open flames, or other practical effects.

Why additional review: A separate SFX permit from LA County Fire is required in addition to the film permit. A licensed pyrotechnics operator must be on set. Neighborhood notification may extend beyond the standard 500-foot radius.

Next steps: Identify all special effects in your application and contact LA County Fire for the SFX permit here.

Firearms and Gunfire
Real, replica, prop, or airsoft firearms and simulated gunfire

When it applies: Any discharge or visible brandishing of firearms, including blanks and props.

Why additional review: Firearms activity must be identified in the permit. A Sheriff may be required on set. Notification can extend well beyond 500 feet and a Signature Survey may be required.

Next steps: Specify weapon type and load type in your application. Film Office will advise on notification and Sheriff requirements.

Aerial Filming and Drones
Drone, helicopter, crane, or any aircraft activity

When it applies: Any use of a drone or manned aircraft for filming, or as a flying prop.

Why additional review: Drones require FAA-exempted operators and specific documentation including a Remote Pilot Certificate, UAS registration, a detailed flight plan, and UAS insurance of at least $2,000,000. Manned aerial work requires $5,000,000 in insurance and a 4,000-gallon water truck at the landing site.

Next steps: Identify aerial activity in your application and submit documents to the Film Office. All documentation must be on set at all times.

City-Owned Property
Parks, trails, facilities, streets, parking lots, or any City property

When it applies: Filming on any park, pool, open space, trail, or City-owned facility.

Why additional review: City-owned property requires coordination with relevant City departments. A Film Monitor will be assigned and billed to production at $95 per hour.

Next steps: Contact the Film Office at least one week before your filming date to check availability. We’ll act as the liaison with all relevant City departments.

Frequently Filmed Areas
Locations with additional neighborhood, traffic, or scheduling needs

When it applies: Some locations including Old Town Newhall and Main Street have additional community considerations that may affect scheduling or approval.

Why additional review: High-traffic or sensitive areas may require a Film Monitor, extended notification, or a Signature Survey.

Next steps: Note your specific location in the application. Film Office staff will advise on any additional requirements.

No Parking Signs
Parking vehicles or equipment in a public parking lane or curb lane

When it applies: Whenever production vehicles or equipment need to occupy a legal street parking lane.

Why additional review: Proper Temporary No Parking signs must be posted at least 48 hours in advance to be enforceable. Productions are responsible for posting and taking down their own signs.

Next steps: Identify street parking needs in your application. Note that cast and crew vehicles cannot park on public streets at any time.

Neighborhood Notification and Signature Surveys
Resident and business notices or signature surveys may be required

When it applies: Most film permits require notification to residents and businesses within 500 feet at least 2 working days before the first filming day.

Why additional review: Film Office staff handles all neighbor notification, billed to your production. For high-impact activities, notification may extend beyond 500 feet. A Signature Survey may be required for night filming, extended stays, road closures, and other high-impact activity.

Next steps: Film Office provides the survey form and a map of addresses. Production must make at least three separate attempts to reach each address and must address any legitimate concerns before the permit is issued.