Grand Prairie, TX Filming & Production: Location Permits (2026)

Under Article VI of Chapter 17, the Grand Prairie Filming Guidelines (Ord. No. 10957-2021), any commercial producer who wants to shoot in the city, whether a feature film, television program, commercial, music video or corporate film, must first contact the office of the city manager to discuss the production's requirements and feasibility, then submit the city's filming application. Sec. 17-86 sets fixed lead times: commercials and episodic television need a minimum of two business days before filming or any substantial related activity begins, and feature films need a minimum of five business days.

Sec. 17-87 sets a $25 application processing fee, which the city manager may waive on proof of nonprofit status or for any other reason the city manager deems appropriate. Beyond the fee and timing, Sec. 17-85 gives the city manager exclusive authority to authorize, or refuse, use of any street, right-of-way, park or public building, and lets the city manager impose conditions or require remuneration as a condition of the permit; police, fire and building department staff may inspect all structures, devices and equipment used in the production.

Sec. 17-93 requires a certificate of insurance naming the city as additional insured, with at least $1,000,000 in general liability coverage backed by a $5,000,000 umbrella policy, and automobile liability of at least $1,000,000 if vehicles are used. Sec. 17-92 requires the applicant to notify property owners, tenants and residents in the affected neighborhood of the production schedule and to submit their signed comments with the application; the city manager may grant or deny the permit based on that community feedback. The applicant must also sign the hold-harmless agreement in Sec. 17-95 and pay for any property damage within ten days of an invoice under Sec. 17-94.