Tempe, AZ Filming & Production: Location Permits (2026)

City Code Chapter 16A, Article IX governs commercial filming on City property. Section 16A-181(a) requires a film permit for using any City-owned building, park, public street, road, alley or right-of-way for filming, defined broadly to include photo, motion picture, video recording or spoken statements, done for a commercial purpose such as a feature, television show, commercial or music video. Section 16A-181(b) exempts news gathering, filming for a criminal investigation or judicial proceeding, and filming limited to a hand-held camera or tripod that does not assert exclusive use of the property.

Section 16A-182 requires the applicant to apply to the Community Services Film Office at least seven calendar days before the shoot, pay a non-refundable application fee (with a further late fee for short-notice applications) plus a per-day permit fee for every day of filming, set by City Council resolution in Appendix A; the permit fee is refundable if the City denies the permit or the applicant cancels. The Film Office circulates the application to affected City departments, which may recommend stipulations protecting public health, safety and welfare before the permit issues.

Section 16A-183 lets the Film Office deny a permit or attach stipulations if the filming would be detrimental to public safety, nearby residents or property owners, or would burden City services; a denied applicant can request reconsideration from the Community Services Director within 14 calendar days, with a decision due in another 14 days. Section 16A-184 requires signed indemnification and a certificate of liability insurance naming the City as an additional insured before the permit is actually issued.