Westminster, CA Filming & Production: Location Permits (2026)
Film location permits in Westminster, CA, sometimes called film shoot permits, production permits, or filming authorizations, cover commercial photography, video shoots, and motion picture production.
Key Facts
- Governing section
- WMC § 9.62.020
- Covers
- public or private property, facility, or residence
- Application lead time
- at least 2 days before filming
- Insurance minimum rating
- A.M. Best B+ or better
- Traffic restriction limit
- one 12-foot lane
- Revocation appeal window
- 5 days to city manager
Summary
No one may use any public or private property, facility, or residence in Westminster for a filming activity without first getting a permit from the public information officer. Applications are due at least two days ahead and carry a nonrefundable fee.
§ 9.62.020. Permit required. No person shall use any public or private property, facility or residence for any filming activity without first applying for and receiving a permit from the public information officer or his/her designee.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4982734; v10 updated 2026-06-10).
Full Breakdown
62: no person shall use any public or private property, facility, or residence for any filming activity without first applying for and receiving a permit from the public information officer or designee. 010 to include set-up and strike time for motion pictures, television shows, commercial photography, videotapes, and any other visual reproduction technology. 040 requires the application at least two days before the first day of proposed filming, accompanied by a nonrefundable application fee set by council resolution, and must disclose the property owner's contact information, the specific filming area, dates and times, the number of people and animals involved, and details of any pyrotechnic devices under Health and Safety Code Section 12526.
040). 060). M. 080, including restricting traffic to no more than one twelve-foot lane and never blocking emergency access roads. 090 adds reimbursement obligations for city services and emergency personnel, though the city may waive any fee at its sole discretion.
Violations & Fines
Filming without a permit, misrepresenting material facts to obtain one or a fee waiver, or violating permit conditions is punished under Section 9.62.100 in accordance with Section 1.12.010: a misdemeanor carrying up to a $1,000 fine, up to six months in jail, or both, unless the city attorney elects to charge it as an infraction.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to film on location in Westminster?
How far in advance must I apply for a Westminster filming permit?
Can Westminster revoke a filming permit already issued?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Westminster
California rules heatmap·Compare Westminster to another location·View the California filming & production overview
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Location Permits in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Orange County handle location permits.