Lancaster's Filming & Production: The Rules That Matter

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

Lancaster still requires a student filmmaker to get the same Chapter 5.46 film permit as any other production, but Section 5.46.050 waives both the application processing fee and the daily property-use fee for productions made to satisfy a school or college course requirement.

Key details: Student film permit still required: Yes, same Chapter 5.46 permit. Processing fee for student films: Waived, Sec. 5.46.050(A). Daily property use fee: Waived, Sec. 5.46.050(B). Proof required: Current enrollment at educational institution. Insurance requirement: Still applies, no student exemption.

A student filmmaker who shoots without first obtaining the Section 5.46.010 permit, fee waiver or not, is subject to the same misdemeanor violation and permit cancellation under Section 5.46.070 as any other unpermitted production, and the film liaison can still suspend or revoke the permit for endangering health or safety or violating its conditions.

The rules around student filming in Lancaster lean permissive, but that does not mean anything goes.

Location Permits

Filming or shooting still photography on Lancaster public or private property, including a residence, requires a permit from the city's Antelope Valley film liaison under Chapter 5.46, with a $1,000,000 insurance certificate and written consent from every affected property owner before the permit issues.

Key details: Permit issuing office: Antelope Valley film liaison. Minimum liability insurance: $1,000,000 naming city as additional insured. Owner consent required: Written consent of all affected property owners. Appeal deadline: 5 working days to parks & rec director. Exempt activities: News media, private family video, studio filming.

Filming without a required permit, or violating a permit's terms, is a misdemeanor and can result in the city canceling the permit outright, plus a penalty fee (Sec. 5.46.070). A permittee found to unnecessarily endanger public health or safety, or to threaten immediate property damage, can have the permit suspended or revoked immediately by the film liaison's authorized representative, and noncompliance can bar the responsible parties, their principals, agents and employees from receiving future permits.

The Bottom Line

Lancaster'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 Lancaster is broadly strict or permissive.

These rules come from Lancaster's publicly available municipal code. For complete penalty schedules, exemption details, and answers to common questions, see the individual ordinance pages throughout this guide.