San Bernardino County, CA Filming & Production: Location Permits (2026)
Film location permits in San Bernardino County, CA, sometimes called film shoot permits, production permits, or filming authorizations, cover commercial photography, video shoots, and motion picture production.
Key Facts
- Governing chapter
- County Code Title 4, Ch. 24
- Applies to
- unincorporated county + County facilities
- Application fee
- $150.00
- Administered by
- County Film Office
- Exempt
- private, news, student, emergency filming
Summary
Commercial filming anywhere in unincorporated San Bernardino County, or on any County-controlled facility, requires a filming permit issued through the County Film Office.
Except as set forth herein, a filming permit shall be required for all commercial filming done in the unincorporated area of San Bernardino County, or when facilities are used that belong to, are managed by, or are under the jurisdiction of the County of San Bernardino. Filming permits shall, unless otherwise specified herein, be required for all visual recording processes that record motion.
Full Breakdown
County Code § 41.2403 requires a filming permit for all commercial filming done in the unincorporated area of San Bernardino County, or wherever facilities used belong to, are managed by, or fall under County jurisdiction, covering all visual recording processes that record motion. The Film Office (§ 41.2405) acts as the single point of contact, coordinating with the Sheriff's Department, County Fire Department, Regional Parks, and other departments on a permittee's behalf and remitting collected fees to the County. Private/family filming, news media, student and educational filming, and emergency-scene filming are exempt under § 41.2404, but commercial shoots outside a permanent studio need the permit and must pay the $150 processing fee under § 16.0210A.
Violations & Fines
Filming without the required permit is a violation of Title 4, Chapter 24; the County can deny access to County-controlled locations and the Film Office withholds cooperation with Sheriff's, Fire, and Parks permits until compliance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to film in San Bernardino County?
Who issues San Bernardino County filming permits?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in San Bernardino County
California rules heatmap·Compare San Bernardino County to another location·View the California filming & production overview
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