Filming & Production in Ventura County, CA (2026)

4 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 6 cities in Ventura County, California.

Verified from official government sources

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

Location Permits

Filming in unincorporated Ventura County needs a Film Permit: a ministerial Zoning Clearance for shoots under 60 days that stay within set limits, or a discretionary permit for larger productions.

Ventura County Film Location Permits

Some Restrictions

Ventura County Ordinance Code § 8107-11, § 8107-11.1

All filming activities shall be conducted in keeping with the California Film Commission's "Filmmaker's Code of Professional Responsibility" and shall not result in damage to the filming location or to surrounding properties. Except for permanent facilities, all affected properties shall be restored to their original condition when such filming is completed. 8107-11.1 - Occasional filming ac...

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Production Noise

A Ventura County film permit is denied if the shoot's noise exceeds what's normal for the area, unless the noise source, like gunfire or aircraft, sits over 2,000 feet from the nearest home.

Ventura County Film Production Noise Limits

Some Restrictions

Ventura County Ordinance Code § 8107-11.1(d)

Result in noise levels exceeding that which is normal for the area and surrounding properties, or result in types of noise emanating from such sources as gunfire, explosions, aircraft, etc., which are not normal for the area in question, unless the nearest residence is located more than 2,000 feet from the noise source.e.Result in levels of light and glare exceeding that which is normal for the...

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Street Closures

A Ventura County film shoot can't block a public or private road for more than three minutes under a standard ministerial permit: longer closures need neighbor waivers or a discretionary permit.

Ventura County Film Road Closure Limit

Some Restrictions

Ventura County Ordinance Code § 8107-11.1(c)

Filming activities shall be granted a Zoning Clearance, which will serve as a ministerial "Film Permit," provided that the activities, or any portions thereof, do not: a.Exceed a total of 60 days on any lot in any 180-day period.b.Occur between ten o'clock p.m. and seven o'clock a.m. unless they are on a designated "back lot," studio or sound stage.c.Cause traffic delays of more than three m...

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Student Filming

Ventura County's road ordinance defines student filmmaking as commercial filming. A student shooting a class project in the unincorporated county's road right-of-way needs the same encroachment/filming permit as a professional production and must follow the same neighbor-notification rules.

Ventura County Student Filming Permit Rule

Significant Restrictions

Ventura County Ordinance Code § 12100(o)

Filming. The use, for commercial purposes, of a photographic or audio recording device, whether digital or otherwise, to record moving or still pictures or sound, including all associated parking, base camp, meal, and other related activity. "Commercial purposes" includes, but is not limited to, work by a student on a project as a part of that student's education at any school or training progr...

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗