Film productions in Bakersfield are subject to the general noise ordinance at BMC Chapter 9.22 and the construction-hours rule at BMC 9.22.050. Loud production work — generators, equipment, amplified sound, exterior dialogue — that occurs between 9 p.m. and 6 a.m. on weekdays (or 9 p.m. and 8 a.m. on weekends) generally requires a special exception granted as a condition of the city film permit.
Under BMC 9.22.050, the city restricts construction-type activity (which the city applies by analogy to film equipment, generators, and rigging) to 6 a.m.-9 p.m. on weekdays and 8 a.m.-9 p.m. on weekends. The city manager may grant a permit for work between 9 p.m. and 6 a.m. for a period not to exceed three days, extendable for an additional three days, if public health and safety will not be impaired and loss or inconvenience to interested parties would otherwise result (BMC 9.22.050). Film permits issued by Bakersfield Special Events typically incorporate this overnight authorization as a condition. General nighttime noise (10 p.m.-7 a.m.) that detrimentally impacts neighboring residences is independently actionable under BMC 9.22.030. Pyrotechnics, gunfire, and SFX are separately governed by the Bakersfield Fire Department and require Fire Department coordination.
Production noise outside permitted hours without an after-hours condition is a violation of BMC 9.22.050 and BMC 9.22.030. Enforcement is by citation under the general penalty provisions (BMC 1.40) and can also lead to revocation of the film permit and refusal of future permits. Misdemeanor charges are available for willful or repeated violations under BMC 9.22.
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