Salt Lake City's Filming & Production: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles filming & production a little differently. In Salt Lake City, Utah, there are 3 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

Filming with more than 4 people that blocks a street or sidewalk needs a special event permit from the city's events coordinator before shooting.

Key details: Permit needed for: filming events over 4 participants. Filing deadline: 4 business days before filming. Standard event deadline: 30 calendar days ahead. Penalty for no permit: class B misdemeanor. Fees: application fee plus city support costs.

Filming without the required permit is a class B misdemeanor; the city can also stop the shoot on the spot and cite crews for related traffic or nuisance violations.

Compared to other cities, Salt Lake City takes a harder line on street closures. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.

Location Permits

Salt Lake City requires a special event permit for still commercial photography shoots involving more than four people on city streets, sidewalks, or parks.

Key details: Permit trigger: Still photography with more than 4 people. Application deadline: 4 business days before filming. Penalty: Class B misdemeanor. Governing chapter: SLC Code Chapter 3.50, Special Events. Fee basis: City's consolidated fee schedule.

Holding an unpermitted filming event on city property is a class B misdemeanor under § 3.50.140; the city may also stop the shoot and issue citations.

Production Noise

Film and TV shoots in Salt Lake City don't get an automatic noise pass. Production sound stays subject to the citywide noise ordinance unless the Salt Lake Valley Health Department grants a separate temporary-duration relief permit.

Key details: Residential noise cap, night: 50 dBA (9pm-7am). Residential noise cap, day: 55 dBA (7am-9pm). Filming permit deadline: 4 business days ahead. Noise relief permit issuer: Salt Lake Valley Health Dept. Penalty: Class B misdemeanor, per day.

Exceeding the noise ordinance is a class B misdemeanor under § 9.28.090, with each day of continued violation charged as a separate offense; violations can also be abated as a nuisance under § 9.28.100.

The Bottom Line

Salt Lake City'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 Salt Lake City is broadly strict or permissive.

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