Santa Clara, CA Filming & Production: Location Permits (2026)

SCCC § 12.60.030(a) states flatly that "no person, including students, shall use any public or private property, facility or residence for the purpose of film production without first applying for and receiving a permit from the City Manager's office." Four narrow exemptions exist under § 12.60.030(b): news media covering spontaneous, on-the-spot news events; family video shot solely for private use; filming conducted at a fixed studio; and charitable, 501(c)(3) projects, which are exempt from permit fees but still need a permit.

Applications must give the City the property owner's representative, exact address and location, the inclusive filming hours and dates, a general description of the activity, contact information for the location manager and the production company, the exact personnel count, whether animals or pyrotechnics will be used, and the type and amount of vehicles or equipment involved, per § 12.60.050(b). Fees are assessed on a cost-recovery basis and cannot exceed the City's actual cost for filming that occurs entirely on private property; the production company must also reimburse the City for any police or fire personnel assigned to assist, per § 12.60.050(c)-(d). The City Manager sets the governing rules and regulations, subject to City Council approval by resolution, based on health and safety, disruption to the public, property safety, and traffic congestion, under § 12.60.040.

Before a permit issues for filming on public property, § 12.60.060(a) requires a certificate of insurance naming the City as an additional insured for up to $1,000,000, plus $5,000,000 in aircraft liability coverage if applicable under § 12.60.060(b), a hold-harmless agreement under § 12.60.060(d), and, at the City's discretion, a refundable security deposit to ensure site cleanup and restoration under § 12.60.060(e).