Reno, NV Filming & Production: Location Permits (2026)
Film location permits in Reno, NV, sometimes called film shoot permits, production permits, or filming authorizations, cover commercial photography, video shoots, and motion picture production.
Key Facts
- Governing chapter
- RMC Chapter 5.20
- Applies to
- Commercial still photography production
- Approving official
- City manager or designee
- Insurance required
- $1,000,000 liability coverage
- Penalty
- Up to $500 fine, 6 months jail
Summary
Commercial still photography shoots in Reno need a city film permit under RMC Chapter 5.20: the same permit required for motion picture and TV production, per § 5.13.040(a)(5).
Motion picture and television and commercial still photography production activities. A film permit for these activities is required in accordance with Reno Municipal Code Chapter 5.20.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Administrative Code: Supplement 64 | Land Development Code: Supplement 5 Update 1).
Full Breakdown
Reno treats commercial still photography as a film activity: RMC § 5.13.040(a)(5) says still photography production is exempt from the special-event permit only because 'a film permit for these activities is required in accordance with Reno Municipal Code Chapter 5.20.' Under Chapter 5.20, filming anywhere in the city without a permit is unlawful (§ 5.20.030). Applicants file with the city manager (§ 5.20.050), who can impose crowd-control, police, and traffic conditions and require $1,000,000 in liability insurance (§ 5.20.070) before issuing the permit. Exempt: shooting for nonpublic/family use, court proceedings, news coverage, or at a permanently licensed production facility (§ 5.20.040).
Violations & Fines
Filming, videotaping or producing images without a permit is a misdemeanor under § 5.20.140: up to a $500 fine, six months in jail, or both, per violation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit for personal or family photos in Reno?
Is news photography exempt?
What does a Reno film permit cost?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Reno
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