Location Permits: Berkeley vs San Leandro
How do location permits rules compare between Berkeley, CA and San Leandro, CA?
Berkeley and San Leandro have similar restriction levels.
Berkeley, CA
Alameda County
BMC Chapter 9.78 requires a city film permit for any filming on Berkeley streets, sidewalks, or parks. Applications are made to the City Manager (in practice, the Berkeley Film Office at Visit Berkeley) and lead times depend on the production's impact on public rights-of-way.
View full Berkeley rules →San Leandro, CA
Alameda County
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.
View full San Leandro rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Berkeley | San Leandro |
|---|---|---|
| Code Section | BMC Ch. 9.78 (application BMC 9.78.030) | San Leandro Administrative Code Title 32 |
| Pyrotechnics / Major Street Closure | 7 business days advance application | - |
| Minor Street Closure | 3 business days advance application | - |
| Other Filming | 2 business days advance application | - |
| Film Office Contact | film@visitberkeley.com | - |
| 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. |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Berkeley FAQ
Do I need a permit to film in Berkeley?
Yes for any filming on public streets, sidewalks, or parks. BMC 9.78.030 requires a written application to the City Manager / Berkeley Film Office, with lead times from 2 to 7 business days depending on impact.
What information goes in a Berkeley film permit application?
BMC 9.78.030 requires dates, locations, equipment, vehicles, crew, special effects (especially pyrotechnics), insurance and bond info, and any traffic plan. Pyrotechnics and major-street closures require 7 business days' notice.
Who issues Berkeley film permits?
Formally the City Manager, but day-to-day permits are coordinated by the Berkeley Film Office at Visit Berkeley (film@visitberkeley.com), which works with Public Works, Police, Fire, and Parks to clear the request.
San Leandro FAQ
Do I need a permit to film in San Leandro?
Yes — Administrative Code Title 32 requires a film permit for any production within City limits except news gathering. Submit your application to the Film Liaison at City Hall at least 7 working days before filming.
How early can I film on a San Leandro residential street?
Filming hours in residential areas are 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. under Administrative Code Title 32. Setup before 7 a.m. or filming after 7 p.m. requires special approval and written consent from affected neighbors.
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