Film location permits in Berkeley, CA — sometimes called film shoot permits, production permits, or filming authorizations — cover commercial photography, video shoots, and motion picture production.
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.
BMC 9.78.030 requires written application on a city-approved form, with information including filming dates, locations, equipment list, vehicles, crew size, special effects (especially pyrotechnics), insurance and surety bond information, and any traffic-management plan. Lead times scale with disruption: at least seven business days before filming for productions involving pyrotechnics or closure/partial closure of major or collector streets or rerouting of public transit; at least three business days before filming for closure or partial closure of any other street; and at least two business days for all other filming. BMC 9.78.050 sets standards for issuance or denial — the City Manager may deny if the activity would unreasonably interfere with public safety, the public's use of streets/parks, or other permitted activities. BMC 9.78.070 requires the permit (or a copy) to be on the set during filming. The Berkeley Film Office (film@visitberkeley.com) coordinates permits with Public Works, Police, Fire, and Parks.
Filming without a required BMC 9.78 permit, or in violation of permit conditions, is a misdemeanor / infraction enforced under BMC Title 1 general penalties (administrative citation up to $500 plus restoration costs). The permit may be summarily suspended for unsafe conditions. The permittee must reimburse the city for any damage to city property under BMC 9.78.100 and indemnify the city.
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