Filming & Production in San Francisco, CA: What Residents Actually Need to Know
If you live in San Francisco or are thinking about moving there, filming & production are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. San Francisco has 2 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of filming & production, and some of them might surprise you.
Location Permits
Commercial still photography in San Francisco counts as "film production" under the Film Commission ordinance, requiring a use contract and a $200-a-day city use fee.
Key details: Still photography use fee: $200 per day. Requirement: Use contract with Executive Director. Max administrative penalty: 3x applicable use fee. Governing body: SF Film Commission.
Shooting without a use contract can draw an administrative citation for up to three times the applicable use fee, and unpaid fines can block the company from entering future use contracts.
Street Closures
Film productions closing San Francisco streets apply through the Film Commission and ISCOTT under the Transportation Code, with a special exception letting filming crews apply on shorter notice than other events.
Key details: Governing code: Transportation Code Article 6. Standard notice: 30 calendar days. Film exception filer: Film Commission. Hearing notice for film permits: 72 hours minimum. Reviewing body: ISCOTT.
Occupying or closing a public street without an approved ISCOTT/MTA permit is enforceable by the Police Department and Department of Public Works; ISCOTT may deny, condition or revoke permission for noncompliance.
The Bottom Line
San Francisco'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 San Francisco is broadly strict or permissive.
These rules come from San Francisco's publicly available municipal code. For complete penalty schedules, exemption details, and answers to common questions, see the individual ordinance pages throughout this guide.