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San Francisco, CA Filming & Production: Location Permits (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Film location permits in San Francisco, CA, sometimes called film shoot permits, production permits, or filming authorizations, cover commercial photography, video shoots, and motion picture production.

Key Facts

Still photography use fee
$200 per day
Requirement
Use contract with Executive Director
Max administrative penalty
3x applicable use fee
Governing body
SF Film Commission

Summary

Commercial still photography in San Francisco counts as "film production" under the Film Commission ordinance, requiring a use contract and a $200-a-day city use fee.

“Film” means feature motion pictures, video tapes, television programs, commercials, still photography, documentaries, travelogues, music videos, web videos, web series, and other visual art forms... The use fees are as follows: (1) Still photography: $200 a day.

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-96: Codes: last updated to include changes made by legislation through Ordinance 133-26, File No. 260686, approved July 23, 2026, effective August 23, 2026).

Full Breakdown

San Francisco's Administrative Code defines "Film" to expressly include "still photography," so any still shoot that uses City employees or equipment, or interferes with the ordinary use of public right-of-way or City property, is film production under Chapter 57. Film companies must enter into a use contract with the Film Commission's Executive Director and file insurance and indemnification documentation before shooting. The City charges a flat use fee of $200 a day specifically for still photography, separate from the higher rates set for commercials, series, and features.

Violations & Fines

Shooting without a use contract can draw an administrative citation for up to three times the applicable use fee, and unpaid fines can block the company from entering future use contracts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does San Francisco charge for still photo shoots?
Yes, Administrative Code Chapter 57 sets a $200-a-day use fee for still photography that qualifies as film production under the ordinance.
Do photographers need a use contract?
Any film company, including still photographers, engaging in production that uses City property, employees, or equipment must sign a use contract with the Film Commission's Executive Director first.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in San Francisco

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All San Francisco rules

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