Norfolk, VA Filming & Production: Location Permits (2026)

Norfolk Code § 29-68.1(a) requires anyone filming in or upon a street, way, highway, road, parkway, or other public property or parcel to first get a permit from the city manager. News crews covering contemporaneous events and nonprofit documentary crews are exempt from the permit requirement entirely. Everyone else files a written application on the city manager's prescribed form at least 14 days before filming is set to begin, though the city manager can shorten that window for a short or limited-scope shoot.

The application under subsection (c) must list the applicant's name and address, the incorporation state and registered agent if the applicant is a corporation, the exact dates and hours requested, the specific filming locations, any planned street obstructions, unusual parking needs, or police/traffic-control requests, portions of the shooting script and location schedule, and details of any stunts, chase scenes, or special effects planned at each location. Under subsection (d), the application must include a $100 processing fee, cut to $50 for applicants whose principal place of business is in the city, though the fee is waived entirely for student and nonprofit filming activities.

Subsection (e) lets the city manager refuse a permit outright if the filming would substantially interrupt traffic that cannot be reasonably rerouted, would divert so many police officers or city staff that normal city obligations suffer, would let crowds or vehicles interfere with fire or police protection or ambulance access to nearby areas, or would block firefighting equipment responding to a fire. Under subsection (f), an approved permit also requires the applicant to carry liability insurance naming the city as an additional insured and to post an advance deposit or letter of credit covering the city's estimated service costs.

Filming without the required permit, or violating a condition once one is issued, is a Class 2 misdemeanor under subsection (h). The rule was enacted by Ord. No. 36,924 on July 14, 1992.