Filming & Production in Aurora, CO: What Residents Actually Need to Know

If you live in Aurora or are thinking about moving there, filming & production are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. Aurora has 3 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of filming & production, and some of them might surprise you.

Street Closures

Aurora film productions requiring street closures must obtain a separate right-of-way permit, submit a traffic control plan, and fund police staffing.

Key details: ROW permit: Required with traffic plan. Advance notice: 72 hours to residents. Police: Off-duty officers required. Arterial peak: Closures typically denied.

Specific penalty amounts for this ordinance are not published in a publicly accessible fine schedule. Contact [Aurora code enforcement](https://www.auroragov.org/residents/transportation_and_streets) directly for current fines, enforcement procedures, and hearing options.

Compared to other cities, Aurora takes a harder line on street closures. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.

Production Noise

Film productions in Aurora must comply with the city noise ordinance or obtain a noise variance; nighttime shoots in residential areas need special approval.

Key details: Daytime limit: About 55 dBA residential. Nighttime limit: About 50 dBA residential. Variance: Required if exceeding. Neighbor notice: Required for variances.

Specific penalty amounts for this ordinance are not published in a publicly accessible fine schedule. Contact [Aurora code enforcement](https://library.municode.com/co/aurora/codes/code_of_ordinances) directly for current fines, enforcement procedures, and hearing options.

This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Aurora actively enforces its production noise requirements.

Location Permits

Aurora requires a film permit for commercial productions on public property, coordinated through the city with Colorado Film Office support.

Key details: Permit: Required for public property. Insurance: GL with city as additional insured. State resource: CO Film Office. News gathering: Often exempt.

Specific penalty amounts for this ordinance are not published in a publicly accessible fine schedule. Contact [Aurora code enforcement](https://oedit.colorado.gov/colorado-office-of-film-television-and-media) directly for current fines, enforcement procedures, and hearing options.

The Bottom Line

Aurora is tougher than many cities when it comes to filming & production. Out of the 3 rules covered here, 2 are rated strict. If you are a homeowner, renter, or business owner in Aurora, take the time to understand these requirements before they become a problem. Most violations come with fines, and some repeat violations can escalate.

This guide is based on Aurora's current municipal code. Local rules can and do change, so check the individual ordinance pages for the latest details, penalties, and FAQs.