Long Beach, CA Filming & Production: Location Permits (2026)
Film location permits in Long Beach, CA, sometimes called film shoot permits, production permits, or filming authorizations, cover commercial photography, video shoots, and motion picture production.
Key Facts
- Filing deadline
- 3 working days before first day of filming
- Required disclosures
- Location, dates, personnel, animals/pyrotechnics, equipment
- Date changes
- 24 hours' notice, good cause, § 5.61.050(A)
- Cost reimbursement
- Permittee pays for City security/assistance, § 5.61.060
Summary
A filming activity permit application in Long Beach must be filed with the City Manager at least three working days before the first day of shooting, per Long Beach Municipal Code § 5.61.030(A), and must disclose the exact location, dates, personnel count, animals or pyrotechnics, and vehicles or equipment involved.
A.An application for filming activity under this Chapter must be completed and filed at least three (3) working days prior to the first day of filming proposed.B.Each such application must include:1.The name of the owner, the address and telephone number of the place at which the activity is to be conducted;2.The specific location at such address or place;3.The inclusive hours and dates such activity will transpire, including, but not limited to the preparation and clean-up of the location;4.A general statement of the character or nature of the proposed filming activity;5.The name, address and telephone number of the person or persons in charge of such filming activity;6.The exact number of personnel to be involved;7.Use of any animals or pyrotechnics;8.The exact amount/type of vehicles/equipment to be involved; and9.Such additional information as the City Manager or his/her designee may reasonably require.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Municipal Code: Supplement 52 Update 1 | City Charter: Supplement 5).
Full Breakdown
030(B) requires nine categories of information: the property owner's name, address, and phone; the specific location at that address; the inclusive hours and dates of the activity, including setup and cleanup; a general statement of the character of the proposed filming activity; the contact person in charge; the exact number of personnel involved; whether animals or pyrotechnics will be used; the exact amount and type of vehicles or equipment; and any additional information the City Manager reasonably requires. 060, the same 13-factor and 15-ground standards that govern special event permits, including whether the activity will unreasonably interrupt traffic, public safety access, or other scheduled events.
040(E)'s nonrefundable fee requirement also applies to every filming location permit. 060 requires the permittee to reimburse the City for all costs of personnel or equipment furnished for security or assistance.
Violations & Fines
Filming on a Long Beach street, sidewalk, park, or other city property without an approved location permit under § 5.61.030, or providing incomplete or false application information, is grounds for denial or revocation and is a misdemeanor under § 5.61.095.5, punishable by up to $1,000 or six months in jail, or a $250 infraction fine, per day.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much notice does Long Beach require for a filming location permit?
What must a Long Beach filming location application disclose?
Can a Long Beach filming permit date be changed after it's issued?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Long Beach
California rules heatmap·Compare Long Beach to another location·View the California filming & production overview
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Location Permits in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Los Angeles County handle location permits.