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

City Code Chapter 12.42 makes it unlawful to engage in commercial filming, videotaping or still photography, or public exhibition production, anywhere in the city other than at an established motion picture, television or photography studio, unless the Film Permit Officer (FPO) has first issued a photography/filming permit (Section 12.42.030). The FPO, a city-manager-designated employee who also liaises with the California Film Commission and the San Bernardino-Riverside County Film Commission, processes applications that must state the exact filming location, dates and hours, the nature of the activity, personnel and vehicle counts, any animals, stunts or pyrotechnics, a detailed site and parking plan, and any city services requested (Section 12.42.050).

Applications must be filed at least two business days before the proposed filming date (Section 12.42.060). The applicant pays a fee set by council resolution and may be required to post a refundable cleanup deposit of up to $1,000 (Section 12.42.070), and must reimburse the city for police, fire and other personnel and equipment costs the permit generates (Section 12.42.080). Before a permit issues, the applicant must carry a minimum $1,000,000 general liability policy naming the City of Redlands as additional insured and must sign an indemnification agreement (Section 12.42.100).

The permit term runs only as long as necessary to complete the activities described in the application (Section 12.42.110), and the city manager may suspend filming to redirect police or fire personnel to an emergency, or revoke the permit for material misrepresentation or violation of its conditions (Section 12.42.120).