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

Oxnard Code of Ordinances Article VII of Chapter 11 governs commercial filming on any public or private property, facility or residence. Section 11-200 bars using any such property for filming, videotaping, broadcasting or photographing a person, event or activity for commercial use without first applying for and receiving a filming permit from the city's designated liaison, an official the city manager appoints in writing under section 11-202. A business tax certificate must also be obtained under Article I of Chapter 11 before the filming permit issues, unless the applicant qualifies for an exemption under section 11-9 or section 11-208(B).

News reporters and camera operators covering matters of general public interest, people filming solely for personal noncommercial use, and tax-exempt charitable filming are exempt under section 11-201, but a permittee must still keep a copy of the permit on site at all times. The application must use the standardized form approved by the California Film Commission and can be filed by telephone or in person under section 11-203. Section 11-205 sets maximum issuance times: two business days for a standard permit, four business days if the shoot involves traffic control on a public street, stunts, or special effects, and ten business days if it involves closing a public street or right-of-way.

Section 11-208 caps permit and application fees at the actual cost of processing and issuing the permit, and sets location use fees for public property at $300 for one day's use or $200 per day for two or more days. Section 11-209 requires standardized liability insurance, workers' compensation coverage, an indemnity agreement, and lets the liaison require a faithful performance bond to guarantee site cleanup and restoration.