How San Leandro Handles Filming & Production: A Practical Guide

San Leandro maintains 151 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 San Leandro falls on the strict-to-permissive spectrum compared to other cities.

Location Permits

San Leandro Administrative Code Title 32 requires a film permit for any filming activity within City limits except news gathering. Applications must be submitted at least seven (7) working days before the planned shoot date.

Key details: Code Section: San Leandro Administrative Code Title 32. Application Lead Time: 7 working days minimum. Residential Hours: 7:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.. Insurance: $1M general liability (City as additional insured). Contact: City Hall Film Liaison, 835 E. 14th St..

Filming without a required permit is a violation of Administrative Code Title 32 and SLMC general penalty provisions. Police may shut down the production, issue citations, and refer the producer to the City Attorney for civil action to recover City costs.

Production Noise

Film productions in San Leandro must comply with SLMC Title 4 Chapter 4-1 Article 11 (Noise) and the conditions of their Administrative Code Title 32 film permit. Generators, amplified dialogue, and FX noise cannot exceed ambient + 5 dB at the nearest residential property line, and no production noise is allowed in residential areas after 7:00 p.m.

Key details: Noise Code: SLMC 4-1 Article 11. Permit Code: Administrative Code Title 32. Property-line Limit: Ambient + 5 dB. Residential Cutoff: 7:00 p.m.. Pyrotechnics: Alameda County Fire approval required.

Noise violations during a permitted shoot can result in permit revocation, in-person SLPD warnings, and infractions ($100 first offense, up to $1,000 misdemeanor for repeat offenses). The City can also bar the production company from future permits.

Street Closures

Street closures for film production in San Leandro require an approved parking and traffic plan as part of the Administrative Code Title 32 film permit. Closures cannot be approved until the parking plan is signed off, and only San Leandro Police Department personnel may be used to direct traffic.

Key details: Code Section: Administrative Code Title 32. Lead Time - Arterial: 14 days. Traffic Control Personnel: SLPD only (paid by production). No Parking Notice: 72 hours posted (CVC 22651(m)). Resident Notice: Written, in advance.

Closing a street without an approved plan is a violation of Title 32 and SLMC general provisions; vehicles parked in violation of CVC 22651 signage may be towed at owner expense. Repeat productions that violate closure rules may be denied future permits.

The Bottom Line

San Leandro'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 Leandro is broadly strict or permissive.

This guide is based on San Leandro's current municipal code. Local rules can and do change, so check the individual ordinance pages for the latest details, penalties, and FAQs.