Film location permits in Riverside County, CA — sometimes called film shoot permits, production permits, or filming authorizations — cover commercial photography, video shoots, and motion picture production.
Filming on public property or roads in unincorporated Riverside County requires a permit from the Riverside County Film Commission (part of the EDA), authorized by Ordinance No. 447. Permits are required for commercial productions, not for personal photography. Fees vary by project type and location.
Riverside County is a popular filming destination due to its desert, mountain, and rural landscapes (Joshua Tree, Salton Sea, Temecula wine country, Idyllwild). Filming on public property, roads, and county-owned facilities in unincorporated areas requires a permit from the Riverside County Film Commission under Ordinance No. 447 and California Government Code §8589.3 (Film California First). Applications should be submitted at least 5-10 business days before the shoot. Permit fees range from $100 for still photography to several hundred dollars for feature films, plus location fees, personnel charges (deputies, firefighters, traffic control), and indemnity insurance certificates (typically $1 million general liability naming the county). Large productions requiring road closures, special effects (pyrotechnics, low-altitude aircraft), or weapons triggers additional Sheriff and Fire review. Personal photography, journalism, and small ENG news crews are typically exempt. State and federal land within the county (BLM desert, San Bernardino National Forest) has separate permit jurisdictions. Filming on private property generally requires only owner consent plus notification if traffic is affected.
Specific penalty amounts for this ordinance are not published in a publicly accessible fine schedule. Contact Riverside County code enforcement directly for current fines, enforcement procedures, and hearing options.
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