Filming & Production in Orange County, CA (2026)

2 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 9 cities in Orange County, California.

Verified from official government sources

Note: These county rules apply to unincorporated areas of Orange County. If you live within an incorporated city, that city's own rules apply: see the city list below.

Location Permits

Still photography on County of Orange property or facilities requires a film permit; annual permits expire in one year or when the photographer's liability insurance lapses, whichever comes first, per County Code § 5-3-337.

Orange County Still Photography Permits

Some Restrictions

Orange County Codified Ordinances § 5-3-337

Except as provided in section 5-3-338, a person shall not use any County property within the unincorporated areas of the County of Orange or property or facilities belonging to the County of Orange or the special districts under the jurisdiction of the Orange County Board of Supervisors for the purpose of motion picture production, television production or still photography without first applyi...

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Student Filming

Enrolled students filming non-commercial work on Orange County property still need a film permit, but the County waives the permit fee if they submit a class schedule and a school letter confirming noncommercial use.

Orange County Student Filming Fee Exemption

Some Restrictions

Orange County Codified Ordinances § 5-3-338(b)

Any applicant who submits a class schedule showing that the applicant is currently enrolled in a recognized United States educational institution and a letter on school letterhead stating that the film, videotape or photograph is not for commercial release is exempt from any permit fees established pursuant to this article.

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗