Colorado Springs's Filming & Production: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles filming & production a little differently. In Colorado Springs, Colorado, there are 2 distinct rules that residents and property owners should be aware of. Some are stricter than what neighboring cities enforce, and others are more relaxed. Here is what you need to know.

Production Noise

Film production noise in Colorado Springs is subject to the general noise ordinance (City Code Chapter 9 Article 8) unless the film permit specifically authorizes elevated levels. Permits can waive residential decibel limits for limited windows, typically 7 AM to 10 PM, with neighborhood notification required 72 hours before filming and hard stops enforced.

Key details: Default Rule: Chapter 9 Article 8 limits. Permit Windows: Typically 7 AM to 10 PM. Neighborhood Notice: 72 hours, 7 days for night. Pyrotechnic Coordination: CSFD plus CSPD required. Deposit: 2,500 to 10,000 dollars typical.

Exceeding permitted noise or time windows can result in immediate shutdown, permit forfeiture, and forfeiture of deposits (typically 2,500 to 10,000 dollars depending on production scale). Gunfire effects without separate CSPD coordination may trigger emergency response and cost-recovery billing.

Location Permits

Commercial filming in Colorado Springs requires a film permit through the Colorado Springs Film Office for productions using public property, closing streets, deploying crew equipment on sidewalks, or employing more than basic handheld operations. Fees vary by production scale: student and documentary are 50 to 250 dollars; commercial features are 500 to 2,500 dollars plus security deposits.

Key details: Issuing Office: Colorado Springs Film Office. Small Production Fee: 50 to 250 dollars. Commercial Feature Fee: 500 to 2,500 dollars. Iconic Sites: Garden of the Gods, Pikes Peak, Seven Falls. State Incentive: Up to 20 percent rebate.

Filming without required permits can result in production shutdown, 500-dollar civil fines, and blacklisting from future permits. Damage to public property is recoverable against the posted security deposit.

The Bottom Line

Colorado Springs'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 Colorado Springs is broadly strict or permissive.

Keep in mind that Colorado Springs 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.