Portland, OR Filming & Production: Location Permits (2026)

PCC 14B.110 establishes the Portland Film Office as the single point of contact for permits to film on public property in Portland. Productions must apply at least 5 business days in advance (longer for closures or large productions), submit a production plan, proof of $1,000,000 general liability insurance naming the City of Portland as additional insured, and pay fees that vary by impact: still photography starts around $50, basic documentary filming around $100, full feature film with street closures and city services can run $500-$5,000+. The Film Office coordinates with PBOT for street closures (PCC 17.84), Portland Parks & Recreation for park filming, Portland Police Bureau or off-duty officers for traffic control and security, Portland Fire & Rescue for pyrotechnics or large effects, and TriMet for transit-area impacts. State-level Oregon Film and Video Office (Oregon Film) provides location scouting, the Oregon Production Investment Fund (OPIF), and Greenlight Oregon labor rebates. Productions using drones above the public right-of-way also need FAA Part 107 authorization. Filming on private property (interior, private lot, private business) does not require a Film Office permit if there is no impact on the public right-of-way, but may still need a business license and TriMet coordination if production traffic stages on city streets. Documentary news-gathering, student projects, and personal/amateur filming are categorically exempt; commercial use determines whether a permit is required.