Madera County, CA Filming & Production: Location Permits (2026)
Film location permits in Madera County, CA, sometimes called film shoot permits, production permits, or filming authorizations, cover commercial photography, video shoots, and motion picture production.
Key Facts
- Filing deadline
- 10 business days ahead
- Street closure/stunts deadline
- 15 business days ahead
- Issuing office
- Clerk of the board
- Exempt
- News, studio, private/family filming
Summary
Filming on location in unincorporated Madera County requires a county film permit, filed at least ten business days ahead through the clerk of the board.
It is unlawful to conduct a filming activity within the unincorporated area of the county without a film permit from the board clerk's office.
A permit issued by the clerk authorizes filming within the unincorporated county limits, but does not authorize use or occupancy of property not owned, leased or controlled by the county without written consent of the property owner and/or lessee. The permit shall be in the possession of the permittee at all times while conducting filming activities in the county.
(Ord. 570 § 1(part), 1998).
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 52).
Full Breakdown
Madera County Code § 5.19.030 makes it 'unlawful to conduct a filming activity within the unincorporated area of the county without a film permit from the board clerk's office.' Applications are due at least ten business days before filming begins, or fifteen business days if the shoot involves street closures, stunts, or pyrotechnics (§ 5.19.050). News filming, filming at studios, court-related filming, private or family video, county filming, and still-photography-only shoots are exempt as long as they don't close a public street (§ 5.19.040). The clerk can attach conditions covering traffic control, cleanup, and insurance, and a separate fire department permit is required for any pyrotechnics (§ 5.19.140).
Violations & Fines
Filming on location in unincorporated Madera County without a permit is a misdemeanor under § 5.19.170, and the clerk may revoke or suspend a permit for violating its conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a permit required to film a home video in unincorporated Madera County?
How far ahead must a Madera County film permit be filed?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Madera County
California rules heatmap·Compare Madera County to another location·View the California filming & production overview
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