Santa Clara County, CA Filming & Production: Location Permits (2026)
Film location permits in Santa Clara County, CA, sometimes called film shoot permits, production permits, or filming authorizations, cover commercial photography, video shoots, and motion picture production.
Key Facts
- Covers
- Commercial filmmaking and photography
- Requirement
- Valid Permit from Parks Director
- Media rights
- Separate reviewed contract required
- Scope
- County Parks, unincorporated county
Summary
Commercial filmmaking or photography in any Santa Clara County Park needs a Valid Permit from the Parks Director, and TV, radio, or movie rights need a separate reviewed contract.
No person or organization shall engage in Commercial Filmmaking or Commercial Photography except by Valid Permit issued by the Director.(b)No television, radio, or motion picture rights shall be granted for any commercial use except by contract reviewed by the Director and approved consistent with the County's contracting policies.(c)Persons employed by or under contract with any user of a Park to work with stage sets, sceneries, rigging properties, lighting, sound equipment, or to perform other work of specialized or technical nature, including ushering and other duties, shall be experienced and competent and in every respect qualified to perform their duties without jeopardy or hazard to life, property, or equipment. A Park user may be required to show proof of workman's compensation coverage for employees. (Ord. No. NS-702.93, 1-9-18)
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 65).
Full Breakdown
Santa Clara County Ordinance Code § B14-54.4(a) requires a Valid Permit from the Parks and Recreation Director before any person or organization engages in Commercial Filmmaking or Commercial Photography inside a County Park: defined to cover any for-profit motion-picture, video, or photography work, digital or otherwise. Subsection (b) separately requires that any TV, radio, or motion-picture rights granted for commercial use go through a contract reviewed by the Director and consistent with the County's contracting policies. Crew members working sets, rigging, lighting, or sound must be competent and may need to show workers' compensation proof.
Violations & Fines
Filming or shooting commercial photography in a County Park without a Valid Permit is enforced by park rangers; the Director can deny or revoke permits for noncompliance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to shoot a commercial in a Santa Clara County Park?
Does this cover filming on a public street in San Jose?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Santa Clara County
California rules heatmap·Compare Santa Clara County to another location·View the California filming & production overview
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