How Richardson Handles Filming & Production: A Practical Guide

Richardson maintains 144 local ordinances across all categories, and 3 of those deal specifically with filming & production. Here is a breakdown of what the city actually requires, what is prohibited, and where Richardson falls on the strict-to-permissive spectrum compared to other cities.

Street Closures

Street closures for film productions in Richardson require advance coordination with Police and Traffic, a traffic control plan, and off-duty officers for active closures. Minor rolling closures are permitted only with police support.

Key details: Traffic Control Plan: Traffic control plan required in permit. Off-duty Richardson Officers: Off-duty Richardson officers hired for closures. 10-14 Business Days: 10-14 business days notice for full closures. Resident Business Notice: Resident and business notice mandatory. Txdot Coordination Needed: TxDOT coordination needed on state routes.

Specific penalty amounts for this ordinance are not published in a publicly accessible fine schedule. Contact [Richardson code enforcement](https://library.municode.com/tx/richardson/codes/code_of_ordinances) directly for current fines, enforcement procedures, and hearing options.

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

Production Noise

Film production noise in Richardson must comply with the city's general noise ordinance, with higher thresholds in commercial zones and nighttime limits in residential areas. Permits may include noise variances for specific scenes.

Key details: General Ordinance: General noise ordinance sets dBA limits by zone. Residential Limits: Residential nighttime limits apply to shoots. Variances: Noise variances part of permit for pyro or amplified. Neighborhood Notice: Required for night shoots. Violations: Risk citation and permit revocation.

Location Permits

Richardson requires a film permit for commercial productions filming on city property, in public right-of-way, or involving traffic control. Small student and news productions on private property with owner consent generally do not need a city permit.

Key details: ROW Trees: Film permit required on city property or right-of-way. Apply 7-10 business: Apply 7-10 business days in advance. $1M liability insurance: $1M liability insurance with city as additional insured. Private property, no-impact: Private property, no-impact filming typically exempt. Commercial Drone: Drone scenes require FAA Part 107 and LAANC.

The Bottom Line

Richardson'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 Richardson is broadly strict or permissive.

All of the above reflects Richardson's municipal code as of our last review. If you need specifics on fines, exemptions, or filing requirements, the detailed ordinance pages linked above have the full breakdown.