Brentwood, CA Filming & Production: Location Permits (2026)

Location filming is one of the specific 'allowed temporary uses' the Brentwood community development director can authorize under Municipal Code Section 17.850.007(D), covering the temporary use of a site for filming commercials, movies, videos, and similar productions. Because a temporary use permit is required before any temporary use begins, per Section 17.850.004, a production company has to file an application and get administrative approval before filming on a specific site, and the director sets the length of the authorization case by case, capped at twelve months by Section 17.850.007's opening paragraph.

Section 17.850.005 puts the review in the hands of the community development director, who decides without a public hearing unless the application is referred to the planning commission; the director's decision is final subject to appeal under Chapter 17.880. Section 17.850.010 requires every temporary use permit, filming included, to carry a certificate of insurance acceptable to the city's risk manager, a performance bond or other surety to guarantee removal of any temporary equipment and restoration of the site, and a signed statement agreeing to indemnify the city against claims arising from the production. Section 17.850.009 layers on development standards covering access, parking and vehicle ingress and egress, and regulation of nuisance factors such as dirt, dust, glare, light, noise, odors, smoke, and vibration generated by the shoot.

The community development director can revoke or modify a filming permit under Section 17.850.011 if the production stops complying with the conditions of approval, or if the permit was obtained through misrepresentation.