Coeur d'Alene, ID Filming & Production: Location Permits (2026)
Film location permits in Coeur d'Alene, ID, sometimes called film shoot permits, production permits, or filming authorizations, cover commercial photography, video shoots, and motion picture production.
Key Facts
- Permit required for
- Film production on public property or improperly zoned private property
- Application
- City Clerk form, notarized
- Approving body
- City Council
- Frequency
- Once in any 365 day period per applicant
- Maximum duration
- 180 days, plus one 30 day extension
- Notice to vacate
- Eight days written notice
Summary
In the City of Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, a film production permit is required for any film production upon public property or upon private property without a proper zoning designation for it. The application goes on a City Clerk form and must be notarized, and only the City Council can grant the temporary permit.
A film production permit shall be required for any film production upon public property or upon private property which otherwise does not have a proper zoning designation for such use. Film production permit applications shall be made on a form prescribed by the City Clerk and shall be notarized. ... The City Council may grant a temporary film production permit only if at least the following criteria are met: A. The event will not be materially detrimental to the public welfare; B. The event will not be materially detrimental to the surrounding neighborhood; C. The event includes measures to minimize injury to real and personal property and, in case of damage, the applicant agrees to make affected owners whole; D. The event would not materially affect the surrounding area in regard to anticipated traffic generation; E. Adequate provisions for parking are made; F. Appropriate permit fees are paid;
Full Breakdown
Chapter 17.08, Article VI is the Interim Film Production Regulations. They overlay the underlying zoning district, apply in addition to it, and cover all property within the City limits, and the most restrictive regulation applies in a conflict (§§ 17.08.605 and 17.08.610). Section 17.08.615 requires a film production permit for any film production upon public property or upon private property that does not have a proper zoning designation for the use. The application is made on a form prescribed by the City Clerk and must be notarized.
The City Council grants a temporary film production permit only if the criteria in § 17.08.620 are met: no material detriment to the public welfare or the surrounding neighborhood, measures to minimize injury to real and personal property with the applicant agreeing to make affected owners whole, no material effect on anticipated traffic generation, adequate parking, and payment of appropriate permit fees. The applicant must also sign a permit agreement acceptable to the City Council and agree to comply with all relevant Federal, State, County and local laws and obtain all other required permits.
Use of public premises, including streets, sidewalks, parking lots, parks, beaches and Tubbs Hill, needs the prior written consent of the City, and the applicant keeps the premises in as good order and repair as on the date the permit began and maintains them in a safe, clean and litter-free condition at the applicant's expense (§ 17.08.630).
Limits on frequency and length are in § 17.08.635. A permit cannot be issued more than once in one 365 day period to the same applicant or a person or company affiliated with the applicant. The temporary permit cannot exceed 180 days, including removal of the use and all physical evidence of it, with one additional thirty (30) day extension on the same terms upon a showing of undue financial hardship. The applicant deposits security in an amount set by City Council (§ 17.08.645), the permit is nonassignable (§ 17.08.650), and the City imposes reasonable fees for its costs, such as street closures (§ 17.08.655).
Violations & Fines
If the use or its physical evidence is not removed within the 180 day period or the authorized extension, or the applicant fails to perform under the permit, permit agreement or regulations, the City can terminate the permit, retake City-owned property and remove all persons and property after eight (8) days written notice to vacate (§ 17.08.640). Ordinance violations are misdemeanors under § 1.28.010, with a fine of not more than $1,000 or up to 180 days in jail.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who approves a film permit in the City of Coeur d'Alene?
How long can a film permit last?
Can I film in a park or on Tubbs Hill?
Can a permit holder be issued another permit right away?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Coeur d'Alene
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