Ventura County, CA Filming & Production: Location Permits (2026)
Film location permits in Ventura County, CA, sometimes called film shoot permits, production permits, or filming authorizations, cover commercial photography, video shoots, and motion picture production.
Key Facts
- Ministerial permit path
- Zoning Clearance, up to 60 days
- Over the limit
- Needs waivers or discretionary permit
- Standard applied
- CA Film Commission Code required
Summary
Filming in unincorporated Ventura County needs a Film Permit: a ministerial Zoning Clearance for shoots under 60 days that stay within set limits, or a discretionary permit for larger productions.
All filming activities shall be conducted in keeping with the California Film Commission's "Filmmaker's Code of Professional Responsibility" and shall not result in damage to the filming location or to surrounding properties. Except for permanent facilities, all affected properties shall be restored to their original condition when such filming is completed.
8107-11.1 - Occasional filming activities, without waivers. Filming activities shall be granted a Zoning Clearance, which will serve as a ministerial "Film Permit," provided that the activities, or any portions thereof, do not:
a.Exceed a total of 60 days on any lot in any 180-day period.
Full Breakdown
Sec. 8107-11 requires all filming activities to follow the California Film Commission's Filmmaker's Code and leave the location undamaged. Sec. 8107-11.1 grants a ministerial Zoning Clearance Film Permit automatically when a shoot stays under 60 days per 180-day period and meets the ordinance's hour, noise, traffic, light, dust and land-disturbance limits; productions that exceed those thresholds need signed neighbor waivers or a discretionary permit under Sec. 8107-11.3.
Violations & Fines
Filming without an issued Film Permit, or exceeding the conditions of a ministerial Zoning Clearance, can bring a stop-work order and code enforcement action from the Planning Division.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to film on private land in unincorporated Ventura County?
What if my shoot runs longer than 60 days?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Ventura County
California rules heatmap·Compare Ventura County to another location·View the California filming & production overview
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