Sonoma, CA Filming & Production: Location Permits (2026)

040 of the Sonoma film permit ordinance bars using any public or private property, facility or residence to take motion pictures, television, digital media or commercial still photography until the applicant has applied for and received a permit from the city manager or a designee, paid the application fee and any use or service charge, and furnished proof of insurance meeting the city's coverage requirement. 050 limits the exemptions to four categories: breaking news reporting, family videos shot solely for private use, certified studio productions, and city-produced or city-sponsored government or educational access productions.

060, an applicant must complete the city manager's application form and attach all fees, deposits, an indemnification agreement, and an insurance certificate before the permit is processed, with the city council setting the detailed operating requirements by resolution. 080(A) for misrepresenting production details on the application, violating the Sonoma Municipal Code or state or federal law, or breaking a condition of the permit, and the police or fire departments are separately authorized to suspend an unpermitted or law-violating shoot on the spot, reporting the suspension to the city manager. 090.