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

4(a) makes it unlawful to use any public or private property, building, facility or residence for filming activity, defined broadly to include feature and television production, commercials, digital media and still photography where equipment is set up in one spot for more than five consecutive minutes, without first applying for and receiving a City permit. 4(b) exempts noncommercial family videos, spontaneous breaking-news coverage, filming for a criminal or civil proceeding, education/government/public-access cable programming, activity the City Manager deems in the public interest, and filming inside a licensed studio; the City can still suspend even exempt filming if it becomes an immediate hazard.

5(a) requires a completed application to the City Permit Coordinator naming the applicant, location manager, property owner, exact filming site and dates, a headcount, any use of animals, explosives, pyrotechnics or stunts, vehicle and equipment lists, and a base-camp location, plus the permit fee and security deposit. The Permit Coordinator issues the permit on finding the activity won't unduly interfere with traffic, pedestrians, City operations or public property, and may impose binding conditions. 5(c) commits the City to processing a completed application within four to eight business days, four days for small or routine requests, and lets the Coordinator deny and refund an application if the applicant won't agree to extend beyond that window.

5(b)(3) requires the permittee to notify residents and businesses within a 500-foot radius at least 24 hours before filming begins, using a City Filming Location Notification Form, unless the shoot is still photography with a crew under ten.