Apply for a film permit
Film here. We’ll help you get started.
The Santa Clarita Film Office makes it easy to film in Santa Clarita. We’re here to guide you through the permitting process and help your production stay on schedule.
When you’re ready, email your application to film@santaclarita.gov to get started.
Do I Need a Permit?
Most commercial filming in Santa Clarita requires a film permit. This includes feature films, television, commercials, music videos, still photography, and student productions on non-school property.
- Feature films, TV shows & pilots
- Commercials, music videos & web content
- Still photography (stationary 5+ minutes, commercial use)
- Student productions on non-school property
- Industrial, documentary & educational films
- Episodic TV — a new permit per episode
Not sure if you need a permit? Contact the Film Office and we'll help determine what's needed.
Permit Not Required
- News media covering a spontaneous, unplanned event
- Family videos for purely private, non-commercial use
- Filming entirely inside a certified sound stage
- Student filming on a school campus (simple activity)
Charitable and non-profit productions may qualify for fee exemptions with a 501(c)(3) letter on file
Need Help? Apply Early
Don’t wait until every detail is finalized.
Submit what you have, and we’ll help you through the rest. The Film Office will review your application, identify any additional requirements and walk you through every step. The earlier you contact us, the more we can help.
Before you apply
Having the following information ready helps us review your project quickly. You don’t need everything finalized before you reach out.
Dates & Times
Film, prep, and strike dates and times for each location
Location(s)
Confirm your location and obtain property owner permission
Parking & Vehicles
Basecamp location and vehicle count including trucks and generators
Cast & Crew Count
Estimated number of cast, crew, and extras on each day
Insurance
Certificate of Liability Insurance is required before permit is issued. Gather it if you have it.
Special Filming Activities
Note any drones, SFX, gunfire, road closures, traffic control, posting of no parking, or night filming
The Permit Process
Here’s how a permit moves from application to approval. The Film Office will guide you through every step.
Choose Your Location
Identify your filming locations and get permission from the property owner for any private property. Want to film on City-owned property? Contact us first and we'll coordinate with the right City departments.
Submit Your Application
Email your completed Film Permit Application to film@santaclarita.gov. One permit covers up to 10 locations over 14 consecutive calendar days. Simple requests need 3 working days. Shoots involving road closures, special effects, or other complex activity need 5 working days.
Submit Supporting Documents
Film Office staff will let you know exactly what's needed. All productions will need a Certificate of Liability Insurance and Endorsement naming the City of Santa Clarita. Additional documents depend on your specific activities.
Film Office Review
We handle the coordination. We route your permit through LA County Fire review and coordinate any other required approvals, such as arranging Sheriffs if needed, and notifying nearby residents and businesses. We'll keep you updated at every step.
Permit Issued
Once all requirements are met and payment is received, we issue your approved permit. Keep a copy on location at all times. Changes to the permit after issuance require approval before taking effect on set.
Film and Wrap
Film safely and in accordance with your permit. After wrapping, restore your locations and remove all signage. Pay any outstanding balance within 10 days.
Will Your Project Need Additional Review?
Some filming activities require additional coordination before a permit can be issued.
If your project includes any of the items below, the Film Office will guide you through the process.
Night Filming
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
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
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
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 Oversight
Sheriff Oversight
Traffic control, weapons, crowd management, or public safety needs
When it applies: Productions requesting Sheriff’s presence for safety, or when Sheriff oversight is required for certain closures, traffic control, etc.
Why additional review: LA County Sheriff’s 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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.
Student Filmmakers
Projects from accredited institutions may qualify for reduced permit costs. Complex filming may need extra review and may be subject to unwaivable fees. Submit your application at least one week before filming starts.Film incentive program
Permit Fee Refunds
For qualifying recurring and locally based productions
Local and State Savings
Permit fee refunds for CFC Tax Credit projects
Hotel Incentive
Partial refund for qualifying hotel stays in Santa Clarita