Filming & Production in San Diego County, CA (2026)
3 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 5 cities in San Diego County, California.
Verified from official government sources
Location Permits
Commercial motion picture, TV, and still-photo shoots on public or private property in unincorporated San Diego County need Chief Administrative Office authorization and proof of liability insurance before filming on location.
San Diego County Commercial Filming Permits
Some RestrictionsSan Diego County Zoning Ordinance § 6125
Temporary commercial motion picture production, television production (including commercials), still photography and related activities on public or private property (excluding public road rights-of-way), for occasional commercial filming on location, subject to the following: a. All commercial filming activities shall be conducted under the auspices of the Chief Administrative Office. A Certif...
Production Noise
Commercial filming in unincorporated San Diego County requires Chief Administrative Office authorization and proof of insurance, and any filming activity that violates the County's Noise Ordinance is a prohibited activity under Zoning Ordinance Section 6125.
San Diego County Filming Noise Rules
Some RestrictionsSan Diego County Zoning Ordinance § 6125
All commercial filming activities shall be conducted under the auspices of the Chief Administrative Office. A Certificate of Insurance indemnifying the County of San Diego as an additional insured, shall be provided. ... b. Prohibited activities: ... ii. Any filming activities that violate any applicable County codes including, but not limited to, the Grading Ordinance, Noise Ordinance or Resou...
Street Closures
Unincorporated San Diego County requires a Road Commissioner permit to close a street for a parade or special event, but film shoots working through the San Diego Motion Picture and Television Bureau with CHP traffic control and insurance are exempt.
San Diego County Street Closure Filming Permits
Some RestrictionsSan Diego County Code § 72.249.5
No person shall conduct or manage a parade or special event without a written permit from the Road Commissioner or the Board of Supervisors. ... This section does not apply to: ... (4) Film making activities that: a. are conducted under the auspices of the San Diego Motion Picture and Television Bureau of the San Diego Chamber of Commerce, and; b. have the California Highway Patrol conducting t...
Filming & Production by City in San Diego County
5 cities in San Diego County have their own filming & production rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.
2 verified rules • Location Permits, Street Closures
3 verified rules • Location Permits, Production Noise
1 verified rule • Location Permits
4 verified rules • Location Permits, Production Noise
1 verified rule • Location Permits
All San Diego County ordinances
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