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

Section 6941(A) bars using any public or private property, facility, or residence for filming without first applying for and receiving a permit from the City Manager or a designee. Section 6942 directs the City Council to adopt rules governing the form, time, and location of filming based on public health and safety, mitigating disruption to residents, protecting property, and managing traffic congestion. Section 6943(B) requires the application to include the property owner's name, address, and phone number; the specific filming location; the inclusive dates and hours; a description of the activity; a 24-hour contact person; the exact personnel count; disclosure of anything that could cause public alarm such as animals, gunfire, pyrotechnics, low-flying helicopters, or drones; the vehicles and equipment involved with a parking plan; and, if a drone is used, the remote pilot certificate, UAS registration, and flight-operation documentation.

Fees are set by City Council resolution under Section 6943(C), with only nonprofit charitable films exempted. Section 6943(D) requires the permittee to reimburse the City for any staff or equipment it provides for assistance or security, which matters in a contract city like Lakewood where larger productions may draw on Los Angeles County Sheriff deputies for traffic or crowd control rather than a city police force. Section 6944 layers on liability insurance naming the City as additional insured, workers' compensation coverage, a hold-harmless agreement, and a refundable security deposit for site restoration.