Filming & Production in Petaluma, CA (2026)
3 verified filming & production rules for Petaluma, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Location Permits
Filming a movie, TV show, commercial or other nontheatrical production on location anywhere in Petaluma requires a film permit from the city manager under the Petaluma Film Permit Ordinance. News crews, studio filming and court-related filming are exempt from the requirement.
Petaluma Film Location Permits
Some RestrictionsPetaluma Municipal Code §§ 13.40.040, 13.40.060(A)
It is unlawful to conduct a filming activity as defined in Section 13.40.030(B) without first obtaining a film permit from the city manager. ... Applications for a filming permit must be filed with the city manager's office at least five business days in advance of the time that the proposed filming activity is to commence.
Production Noise
Petaluma's film permit ordinance lets the city manager restrict or condition the use of gunfire, explosions and other noise-creating or hazardous devices on a film shoot, and separately allows conditions restricting the hours a production can operate.
Petaluma Film Production Noise Rules
Some RestrictionsPetaluma Municipal Code § 13.40.090(C)
The city manager may condition the issuance of a filming activity permit by imposing reasonable requirements concerning the time, place and manner of filming activities including but not limited to the following: ... ... C. Restrictions on the use of gunfire, explosions and other noise-creating or hazardous devices;
Street Closures
Petaluma's film permit ordinance lets the city manager deny or condition a filming permit when a shoot would disrupt street traffic or block emergency access, and permit conditions can require posted no-parking signs and other traffic control devices at the production's expense.
Petaluma Filming Street Closures
Some RestrictionsPetaluma Municipal Code §§ 13.40.080(A)(1), 13.40.090(B)
1. The filming activity will substantially disrupt the use of a street at a time when it is usually subject to traffic congestion, or interfere with the operation of emergency vehicles in the proposed permit area; ... ... B. Requirements concerning posting of no parking signs and placement of other traffic control devices at the applicant's expense;
Looking for Sonoma County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Petaluma city rules.
Filming & Production in Sonoma County →