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Filming & Production in El Monte, CA (2026)

2 verified filming & production rules for El Monte, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.

Verified from official government sources

Location Permits

Anyone filming or videotaping for commercial motion picture or TV production anywhere in El Monte outside an established studio needs a Chief of Police permit under Municipal Code Section 5.64.030. Applicants file at least five business days ahead, pay a $100 non-refundable fee, post a $1,000 security/cleaning bond, and carry $1,000,000 in general liability insurance before shooting begins.

El Monte Filming Location Permits

Some Restrictions

El Monte, CA, Municipal Code Sec. 5.64.030 (Permit Required)

Except as otherwise provided it is unlawful for any person to engage in the business or activity of filming, video taping or producing motion pictures on motion picture film or electronic videotaping for public exhibition as motion pictures or for television, at any place within the city, other than at or in an established motion picture or television studio, without a permit from the Chief of ...

Student Filming

El Monte exempts noncommercial filming from its Chief of Police permit process. Municipal Code Section 5.64.040(D) excuses "the filming or videotaping of motion pictures for noncommercial purposes" from the permit, fee, bond, and insurance rules otherwise required for location filming, the category most student and class-project shoots fall under.

Noncommercial and Student Filming in El Monte

Few Restrictions

El Monte, CA, Municipal Code Sec. 5.64.040 (Exemptions)

The provisions of this chapter shall not apply to: A.The filming or videotaping of motion pictures solely for private or family use.B.The filming or videotaping of motion pictures for use in a criminal investigation or civil proceeding.C.The filming or videotaping or production of motion pictures for news purposes.D.The filming or videotaping of motion pictures for noncommercial purposes.

Looking for Los Angeles County county-wide rules?

County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement El Monte city rules.

Filming & Production in Los Angeles County