Marietta, GA Filming & Production: Location Permits (2026)

Section 5-13-030 of the Motion Picture, Television and Photographic Production Ordinance bars using any public right-of-way or public or private property, facility or residence to produce a commercial motion picture, television show or photograph without a permit, where the underlying activity is defined in Section 5-13-020 as stationary equipment set up in one location for longer than five consecutive minutes. Applications go through the parks and recreation director on an approved form, or by phone, per Section 5-13-050, and must include required fees, deposits, a hold harmless agreement and an insurance certificate before the city will process it.

Turnaround is fast but tiered: two working days for a routine shoot, four working days if traffic control beyond three minutes or stunts and special effects are involved, and ten working days if the production requires a street closure, which itself needs 72 hours' advance notice under Section 5-13-070. The director issues the permit only after finding the activity will not unduly interfere with traffic, pedestrians, or normal city operations, and after police, fire, public works, property management and the municipal utilities sign off that no fire or safety hazard exists.

A denied or conditioned permit can be appealed in writing to the city manager within five working days, and the city manager must rule within two days; that decision is final. Section 5-13-090 requires liability insurance of at least $500,000, rising to $5,000,000 if aircraft, helicopters, pyrotechnics or vehicle chase scenes are used.