Lakewood's Filming & Production: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles filming & production a little differently. In Lakewood, 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.

Student Filming

Lakewood treats student films the same as commercial productions. The filming ordinance's definition of regulated activity specifically names "student films produced to satisfy a post-secondary school course requirement," and none of the ordinance's exemptions for news media, private use, or studio work covers them, so a City Manager permit is still required.

Key details: Permit issuer: City Manager or designee (§6941 A). Student films covered: Named in definition of filming (§6940 A). No student exemption: Exemptions list 3 unrelated categories (§6941 B). Fee waiver: Only for 501(c)(3) charitable films (§6943 C). Insurance: City named as additional insured (§6944 A).

If a permittee, including a student production, violates the filming ordinance or its permit terms, the City may give verbal or written notice, and an uncorrected violation lets the City revoke the permit and stop the activity, with each day of continued violation treated as a separate offense. Two violations within 12 months at one property or by one permittee trigger a 12-month ban on new filming permits there or for that person, extending to two years if a further violation occurs during the ban, per Section 6945.

Compared to other cities, Lakewood takes a harder line on student filming. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.

Location Permits

Lakewood requires a City Manager permit before anyone uses public or private property for motion pictures, television, digital media, or commercial still photography. Applications must detail the exact location, dates and hours, personnel count, equipment and parking plans, and hazards like drones, gunfire, or animals, with fees set by City Council resolution.

Key details: Permit required for: Public or private filming locations (§6941 A). Application items: 10 required disclosures incl. drone use (§6943 B). Fees: Set by City Council resolution (§6943 C). Fee exemption: Nonprofit 501(c)(3) charitable films only (§6943 C). Cost reimbursement: Applicant pays for city staff/equipment (§6943 D).

The City may notify an applicant of a filming-ordinance or permit violation, and if it is not corrected, revoke the permit and halt all activity, with each day of an ongoing violation counted as a separate offense. Two violations within 12 months at one property or by one permittee bar new filming permits there, or for that person, for 12 months, and a further violation during that ban extends it to two years for both the property and the individual, under Section 6945.

Compared to other cities, Lakewood takes a harder line on location permits. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.

The Bottom Line

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

Keep in mind that Lakewood 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.