Filming & Production in Carrollton, TX

If you live in Carrollton or are thinking about moving there, filming & production are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. Carrollton has 2 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of filming & production, and some of them might surprise you.

Location Permits

Carrollton charges a $25.00 application fee for a Film Permit under the city's Comprehensive Fee Schedule, plus separate daily charges for using a public building, park, right-of-way, or public area for a film shoot. Total or disruptive use during regular hours runs $500.00 per day, while partial, non-disruptive use runs $250.00 per day, under Code of Ordinances Section 31.01(M).

Key details: Film permit fee: $25.00 application fee (§ 31.01(M)). Total/disruptive location use: $500.00 per calendar day. Partial, non-disruptive use: $250.00 per calendar day. Admin fee: $25.00, shared with special-event/parade permits. Max fine: $500.00 for Chapter 31 violation (§ 10.99(A)(1)(a)).

Failing to pay the required film permit or location-use fees, or ordinance violations connected to the Comprehensive Fee Schedule in Chapter 31, are punishable under the Code's general penalty section, Section 10.99(A)(1)(a), which lists Chapter 31 among the code chapters carrying a fine of up to $500.00 per violation, the standard penalty tier that also covers Chapter 117 (Special Events).

Street Closures

Carrollton charges separate daily fees to close a public street or right-of-way for filming under its Comprehensive Fee Schedule. A total closure or obstruction, including parking lots and on-street parking, costs $50.00 per block per day, a partial closure costs $25.00 per block per day, and parking film trailers, buses or catering trucks on city streets or lots costs $50.00 per block or lot per day, under Section 31.01(M).

Key details: Total street closure: $50.00 per block, per calendar day. Partial street closure: $25.00 per block, per calendar day. Parking film vehicles on streets/lots: $50.00 per block or lot, per day. Separate charge: In addition to $25.00 film permit application fee. Max fine: $500.00 for Chapter 31 violation (§ 10.99(A)(1)(a)).

Obstructing or closing a public street or right-of-way for filming without paying the required fee, or otherwise violating the Comprehensive Fee Schedule in Chapter 31, is punishable under the general penalty section, Section 10.99(A)(1)(a), which caps the fine at $500.00 per violation for Chapter 31 offenses, the same cap that applies to Chapter 117's special event and parade permits.

The Bottom Line

Carrollton's filming & production rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Carrollton is broadly strict or permissive.

Keep in mind that Carrollton can amend these rules at any council meeting. For the most current version of any rule mentioned here, check the specific ordinance page, where we track updates as they happen.