Clovis, CA Filming & Production: Location Permits (2026)
Film location permits in Clovis, CA, sometimes called film shoot permits, production permits, or filming authorizations, cover commercial photography, video shoots, and motion picture production.
Key Facts
- Permit required
- Temporary use permit for on-location filming
- Application deadline
- Filed at least 30 days before filming
- Public hearing
- Not required for Director's decision
- Key finding
- Frequency must not create incompatibility
- Other rules apply
- Subject to City filming ordinance
Summary
Clovis requires a temporary use permit before filming commercials, movies, or videos at a specified location. The Director must find the shoot will not become so frequent that it creates incompatibility with the surrounding area before approving it.
D. On-location filming. The temporary use of a specified and approved on-location site for the filming of commercials, movie(s), videos, etc. The Director shall find that the approval would not result in a frequency of use likely to create incompatibility between the temporary filming activity and the surrounding areas. The temporary use shall be subject to any City-adopted filming activities ordinance.
Full Breakdown
' Before approving the permit, the Director must find that approval would not result in a frequency of use likely to create incompatibility between the filming activity and the surrounding area, and the use remains subject to any City-adopted filming activities ordinance. 060). 070). 080 that the filming will not jeopardize public health, safety, or welfare; that the site is adequate in size and shape to host the activity without detriment to neighboring properties; that surrounding streets can accommodate the traffic generated; and that adequate temporary parking is available on-site or at an alternate location acceptable to the Director. 090 addressing hours, traffic, parking, or other factors affecting the shoot's operation.
Violations & Fines
Filming on location in Clovis without an approved temporary use permit, or filming outside the scope of an approved permit's conditions, violates Section 9.60.030(B), which requires that temporary land uses 'shall not be established, operated, or conducted in any manner' without a valid permit, and is enforceable under the general Municipal Code penalty in Section 1.2.01: a misdemeanor with a fine up to $1,000 and/or up to six months in jail, or an infraction with escalating fines of $100 to $500 for repeat violations within a year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to film a commercial or movie in Clovis?
How far ahead must a Clovis filming permit application be filed?
What must the city find before approving a filming permit?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Clovis
California rules heatmap·Compare Clovis to another location·View the California filming & production overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.