Rancho Cucamonga, CA Filming & Production: Location Permits (2026)

16 (Film Permits) governs any location shoot in Rancho Cucamonga. 030 requires a permit for filming, videotaping, or producing motion pictures for public exhibition or television anywhere in the city except entirely inside an established motion picture or television studio or an enclosed building with no outside storage of equipment. 020 defines "production" broadly as making a film for commercial or noncommercial purposes on city-owned or private property within the city's jurisdiction. 040 exempts private or family use, filming for criminal or civil proceedings, emergency response footage, news coverage that airs within 24 hours, city-produced footage, and any other activity the film permit officer deems in the public interest.

050 assigns the community development director as the film permit officer, responsible for marketing the city to productions and coordinating department reviews so permits move quickly. 070 sets the filing lead time: a standard application must be submitted at least two working days before filming, four working days ahead if the shoot involves stunts, special effects, or traffic interference, and ten working days ahead for any road closure. 060 requires a nonrefundable application and investigation fee set by council resolution, waived only for charitable productions, plus reimbursement for any police or fire protection the officer requires and service charges for extra city support.

A separate business license tax under Title 5 also applies. 090 lets a denied applicant appeal to the city council within ten days, with a hearing set within 30 days of the appeal filing.