Santa Clarita, CA Filming & Production: Location Permits (2026)
Film location permits in Santa Clarita, CA, sometimes called film shoot permits, production permits, or filming authorizations, cover commercial photography, video shoots, and motion picture production.
Key Facts
- Permit trigger
- Any commercial filming on public/private property
- Stationary shoot threshold
- Equipment set up over 5 consecutive minutes
- Required insurance
- $1,000,000 general liability, City as additional insured
- Appeal window
- 5 working days to request a hearing
- Violation penalty
- Misdemeanor plus fee up to 2x permit cost
Summary
Santa Clarita Municipal Code Section 11.46.020 requires a City film permit before anyone uses public or private property, a public right-of-way, or a residence for commercial motion or still photography. Applicants must carry at least $1,000,000 in liability insurance naming the City as an additional insured, and the City Manager's designee can deny, condition, or cancel a permit for cause.
Permit Required. No person shall use any public or private property, public right-of-way, facility or residence for the purpose of motion or still photography without a permit issued pursuant to the provisions of this chapter. ... Before a permit is issued, a certificate of insurance will be required in an amount not less than one million dollars ($1,000,000) naming the City of Santa Clarita as an additional insured for protection against claims of third persons for personal injuries, wrongful deaths, and property damage and to indemnify the City for damage to City property arising out of the permittees' activities.
Full Breakdown
46, which covers television shows, commercials, music videos, web content, and photo shoots where a photographer sets up stationary equipment in one location for more than five consecutive minutes. 020(B). 040 requires the applicant to file with the City Manager's designee and pay all required fees, deposits, and insurance certificates before the application is processed; the designee's decision to issue, conditionally issue, or deny the permit is final unless the applicant requests a hearing in writing within five working days. 060 sets the liability terms: before a permit issues, the applicant must provide a certificate of general liability insurance of at least $1,000,000 naming the City of Santa Clarita as an additional insured, covering third-party injury, wrongful death, and property damage claims, with a thirty-day written-notice requirement before the policy can be cancelled or modified.
The City can also require a refundable cash or bond performance deposit to guarantee site cleanup and restoration, returned after a post-filming inspection. A. County Fire Department or Sheriff's Department for services tied to the shoot.
Violations & Fines
Violating Chapter 11.46 or the conditions of an issued film permit is a misdemeanor under Section 11.46.070, and the City may cancel the permit outright. In addition to criminal penalties, the City may assess a penalty fee of up to twice the original permit fee against the violator.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to film in Santa Clarita?
What insurance does the City require before issuing a film permit?
Can I appeal if my film permit is denied?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Santa Clarita
California rules heatmap·Compare Santa Clarita to another location·View the California filming & production overview
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Location Permits in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Los Angeles County handle location permits.