Huntington Beach's Filming & Production: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles filming & production a little differently. In Huntington Beach, California, 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.

Street Closures

Closing a Huntington Beach street for a commercial photo or film shoot requires a City Manager permit, and the Police Chief, Fire Chief and Public Works Director must sign off before any closure is approved under HBMC Chapter 5.54.

Key details: Governing chapter: HBMC Chapter 5.54, Commercial Photography. Permit issuer: City Manager or authorized representative. Street closure reviewers: Police Chief, Fire Chief, Public Works Director. Rescheduling notice: 5 working days advance notice. Maximum penalty: $500 fine and/or 6 months jail.

Operating without the required permit, or closing a street without the Police Chief, Fire Chief and Public Works review required by Section 5.54.070, is charged as unlawful trespass on public property under Section 5.54.090. It is a misdemeanor punishable by up to a $500 fine, up to six months in county jail, or both, with each day of continued violation treated as a separate offense.

This is one of the stricter rules in Huntington Beach's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.

Location Permits

Filming a commercial photo or video shoot on Huntington Beach public property, from streets to parks and the pier, requires a City Manager-issued permit under Municipal Code Section 5.54.020 before a single frame is shot, with insurance, cleanup obligations and a nonrefundable processing fee spelled out in the same chapter.

Key details: Issuing authority: City Manager or authorized representative. Insurance required: Public liability, property damage, workers' comp. Rescheduling notice: 5 working days before scheduled start. Unpermitted filming penalty: Misdemeanor, up to $500 fine/6 months jail. Exempt filmers: Government employees, bona fide news media, aerial mapping.

Shooting commercial photography or video on Huntington Beach public property without the Section 5.54.020 permit is treated as unlawful trespass on public property and is a misdemeanor under Section 5.54.090, punishable by a fine of up to $500.00, up to six months in county jail, or both, with each day of continued unpermitted filming charged as a separate offense.

The Bottom Line

Huntington Beach'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 Huntington Beach is broadly strict or permissive.

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