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

51, adopted by Ordinance 26-2282 in 2026, governs commercial filming, television production, commercials, and still photography on location anywhere in Cupertino outside a fixed studio or entirely private property. 030 requires a permit from the City before using any public property, facility, or even a residence for Film Production, and lists five exemptions: spontaneous news reporting, purely private non-commercial recording, filming at a studio, charitable or student films, and productions the City itself commissions or sponsors. 040, the City Manager or a designee issues the permit only if the filming will not unreasonably interfere with traffic, pedestrians, or nearby residents' quiet enjoyment of their property, will not impede emergency vehicles or city services, and will not create a fire or safety hazard.

Applications must be filed at least fourteen calendar days before filming, or thirty days if traffic or public safety could be affected, though the City may expedite an urgent request within three business days for an additional fee. 08 and coordinate with the City's Office of Emergency Management for any police or fire support. 050 requires at least one million dollars in commercial general liability and automobile liability insurance naming the City as an additional insured, rising to five million dollars in aircraft liability coverage if the shoot involves helicopters, cranes, or other aerial equipment, plus an indemnification agreement and a refundable security deposit for site cleanup.