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

Section 5.21.040 of the Highland Municipal Code makes it unlawful to engage in the business or activity of filming at any place in the city without an approved permit from the film permit coordinator. The City Manager designates the coordinator under § 5.21.030, and that person issues permits and coordinates the services of city departments and other government agencies. Filming, as defined in § 5.21.020, covers all activity in preparation of, and attendant to, staging, making, striking, filming or video recording commercial motion pictures, television shows, programs and commercials, including magazine or documentary programs.

The chapter does not reach everything with a camera. Section 5.21.050 excludes filming solely for private or family use, filming for a criminal investigation, civil proceeding or emergencies such as fires and floods, filming for news purposes, cable television access programs, and filming in a studio.

Timing depends on the shoot. Applications are due five full working days ahead when no special traffic control, road closures, stunts or special effects are involved, six when traffic control, outdoor stunts or special effects are involved, and twelve when road closures are necessary (§ 5.21.070). Filming on private property needs written authorization from the owners or occupants attached to the application. The coordinator answers in writing within two, four or ten full working days in the same three tiers (§ 5.21.090(C)). Fees are set by City Council resolution and capped at the city's cost of processing plus the reasonable cost of related services, and the permittee carries general liability insurance of not less than $1,000,000 combined single limit with the city as additional insured (§§ 5.21.080, 5.21.110). Applicants notify affected owners and occupants at least 48 hours ahead (§ 5.21.100). A denial, revocation, suspension or permit condition can be appealed to the City Manager within five working days (§ 5.21.160).