Palm Desert, CA Filming & Production: Location Permits (2026)

Chapter 5.94 of the Palm Desert Municipal Code governs motion picture and television production. Its stated purpose is to encourage motion picture, television, commercial and nontheatrical filming companies to use locations in the city so long as the activity is consistent with public health and safety and the protection of property. A filming activity means filming, video taping, photographing or other similar process conducted for the making of motion pictures, television programs, commercial and nontheatrical film productions. A film permit is written authorization from the city to conduct the activity described in the permit.

Five categories fall outside the chapter under § 5.94.040: filming for news purposes, filming in a studio (a fixed place of business where filming is regularly conducted), filming for a criminal investigation or court proceeding, motion pictures solely for private family use, and charitable films produced by a 501(c)(3) nonprofit where no one profits.

The application must be filed at least five business days ahead, and the city manager can waive the deadline for good cause if enough time remains to process it. The city form asks for the applicant's name and address, the owner and address of the filming site, locations, dates and approximate daily times, a description of scenes including stunts, chase scenes, pyrotechnics or special effects, the person in charge on location, proof of permission to film on private property, the exact number of personnel, any use of animals or pyrotechnics, and the exact number, type and description of vehicles and equipment parked on city streets.

The city decides within two business days for a normal permit and must approve unless the filming will substantially interfere with emergency vehicles, creates a substantial risk of injury, rests on an incomplete or materially false application, or would violate federal, state or local law. Where reasonable conditions can cure a problem, the city imposes them instead of denying.

A processing fee set by city council resolution is paid at filing, and the schedule of fees for city services is prepaid before issuance. The applicant carries liability insurance naming the City of Palm Desert, signs an agreement to repair or replace damaged city property, and keeps a copy of the permit on location.