Salt Lake City, UT Filming & Production: Location Permits (2026)
Film location permits in Salt Lake City, UT, sometimes called film shoot permits, production permits, or filming authorizations, cover commercial photography, video shoots, and motion picture production.
Key Facts
- Permit trigger
- Still photography with more than 4 people
- Application deadline
- 4 business days before filming
- Penalty
- Class B misdemeanor
- Governing chapter
- SLC Code Chapter 3.50, Special Events
- Fee basis
- City's consolidated fee schedule
Summary
Salt Lake City requires a special event permit for still commercial photography shoots involving more than four people on city streets, sidewalks, or parks.
FILMING EVENT: Filming of a media broadcast (other than for news purposes), filming of a motion picture or television broadcast, or still commercial photography, in any case involving more than four (4) human participants. ... It is unlawful for any person, corporation, partnership, association, or other entity, public or private: A. To hold a special event without first obtaining a special event permit and paying the fees as required in this chapter.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-21: Code current through: Ord. 40-26, passed June 16, 2026).
Full Breakdown
Salt Lake City Code § 3.50.030 defines a "filming event" as filming of a motion picture or television broadcast, or still commercial photography, involving more than four human participants. Under § 3.50.040, holding such an event on a city street or other city property without first obtaining a special event permit and paying required fees is unlawful. Filming event applications must reach the events coordinator no later than four business days before the shoot per § 3.50.060(C), and applicants must document outreach to affected property owners and occupants. Permit fees follow the city's consolidated fee schedule.
Violations & Fines
Holding an unpermitted filming event on city property is a class B misdemeanor under § 3.50.140; the city may also stop the shoot and issue citations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does every photo shoot in Salt Lake City need a permit?
How far ahead must I apply for a still photography permit?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Salt Lake City
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