Roswell, GA Filming & Production: Location Permits (2026)
Film location permits in Roswell, GA, sometimes called film shoot permits, production permits, or filming authorizations, cover commercial photography, video shoots, and motion picture production.
Key Facts
- Applies to
- commercial media/video/film production
- Application lead time
- 2 business days minimum
- Reviewing dept
- Community Development Department
- Fee
- nonrefundable, set by city resolution
Summary
Commercial film, TV, and video shoots on Roswell public property need a media production permit from the city before filming begins, covering site reservations, staff time, and any street or sidewalk restrictions.
Media production shall mean all activity related to videotaping or filming for commercial motion pictures, television shows, programs, or commercials or professional photography with staff, model(s) and/or product(s), which involves set-up and tear down time of more than ten (10) minutes, requires reservation of a specific site on public property, requires city staff time to facilitate the shoot, or requires restriction of public sidewalks or roadway.
Portrait photography shall mean all activity related to professional photography of a subject lasting less than two (2) hours which involves set-up and tear down time of less than ten (10) minutes.
No person shall conduct a media production or portrait photography session for commercial use on public property without first having obtained the applicable permit from the City of Roswell.
(Ord. No. 2014-01-01, Added, 1/13/2014)
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 17 | Unified Development Code: Supplement 5).
Full Breakdown
Roswell defines "media production" broadly to cover commercial motion pictures, TV shows, commercials, or staffed/modeled professional photography that needs more than ten minutes of setup, a reserved public site, city staff support, or restricts sidewalks or roadways. No one may run such a shoot on public property without first getting the city's permit. Applications go to the Community Development Department at least two business days ahead, listing the production company, location manager, dates, projected crew and vehicles, and any proposed road closures, with a nonrefundable fee. The city can deny a permit for traffic disruption, fire-access conflicts, or a documented history of problems.
Violations & Fines
Filming commercially on Roswell public property without the permit violates Code of Ordinances § 15.2.1 and is punishable under the Code's general penalty section, § 1.1.3.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do student films need this permit?
How far ahead must I apply?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Roswell
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Location Permits in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Fulton County handle location permits.