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

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

Street Closures

Fort Collins requires a special event permit before any commercial film production closes or obstructs a public street, sidewalk or right-of-way. Productions that stay off closed rights-of-way and don't take exclusive use of City property are exempt from the permit but must still file advance notice with the Permitting Authority under Chapter 23.5.

Key details: Governing law: Fort Collins Municipal Code Ch. 23.5. Permitting Authority: Director of Emergency Preparedness and Security. Full-permit deadline: 45 business days before non-alcohol events. Alcohol/venue events deadline: 60 business days before event. Exempt productions: Must still notice under Sec. 23.5-4.5.

Section 23.5-12(a) makes it unlawful to conduct an event requiring a permit without one, and Section 23.5-12(c) makes it unlawful to run a commercial film production requiring notice without filing that notice first. Violators face the general penalty under Section 1-15, and under Section 23.5-12(f) the Permitting Authority may weigh a past violation when reviewing that applicant's future permit requests.

Location Permits

A commercial film crew shooting on a Fort Collins street, plaza or City-owned outdoor property, without needing exclusive use or a road closure, doesn't need a full special event permit but must still file advance notice under Sec. 23.5-4.5 so the City can flag required rules and coordinate with other departments.

Key details: Governing section: Sec. 23.5-4.5, film notice. Crew size trigger: More than 3 paid crew members. Permitting Authority: Director of Emergency Preparedness & Security. Separate permit needed: Noise variance, Sec. 20-27, if applicable. Penalty: Unlawful under Sec. 23.5-12(c).

Sec. 23.5-12(c) makes it unlawful to conduct a commercial film production requiring notice without first filing that notice with the Permitting Authority. Sec. 23.5-12(d) separately makes it unlawful for the crew to ignore reasonable time, place, manner or route restrictions the Permitting Authority or public safety officials impose once notified, with penalties running through the general penalty provision at Sec. 1-15.

The Bottom Line

Fort Collins'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 Fort Collins is broadly strict or permissive.

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