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

010 requires a permit before anyone stages or shoots motion pictures, television programs or still photography on public or private property, a public right-of-way, a facility, or a residence in Lancaster, defined to cover any stationary set-up lasting more than five consecutive minutes. The chapter exempts spontaneous news gathering, city-produced public access films, private family video, and filming inside a certified sound stage or studio (Sec. 010(B)). Applicants apply to the Antelope Valley film liaison, who is authorized to write the rules governing the form, timing and location of filming based on public health and safety, avoiding undue disruption, protecting property, and traffic congestion (Sec.

030). Every application must be accompanied by the written consent of every property owner and person in possession of property affected by the shoot, and the liaison's decision to issue, conditionally issue, or deny the permit is final unless the applicant appeals in writing within five working days to the director of parks and recreation (Sec. 040). Before a permit issues, the applicant must post a certificate of liability insurance of at least $1,000,000 naming the city as an additional insured, evidence of workers' compensation coverage, and, at the city's discretion, a refundable performance deposit to cover site cleanup and restoration (Sec.

060). The liaison can suspend, revoke, cancel or amend a permit at any time it finds the activity endangers public health or safety, threatens property, or is not being conducted under the permit's terms.