Highland, CA Filming & Production: Production Noise (2026)

Section 5.21.090 of the Highland Municipal Code gives the film permit coordinator the power to approve or condition every filming permit in the City of Highland. Subsection A allows approval only if the coordinator finds that the filming will not endanger the public health, safety or welfare or create a substantial risk of injury to persons or property. Subsection B lets the coordinator impose the conditions needed to make that finding, and the first factor listed is noise or disruption.

Filming activities that produce loud or unusual noise, or disrupt the public peace, are named as targets for conditions: gunfire, sirens, public address systems, bull horns and construction, plus other loud or unusual noises or disruptions. Chapter 5.21 prints no decibel limit. Instead, the coordinator considers the surrounding environment, and the code names proximity to a church, playground, school or residential community as examples in deciding what is loud, unusual or disruptive.

Other listed factors sit next to noise. Aerial filming and helicopter landings are not permitted without explicit written permission from the coordinator, on top of any FAA authorization, which must be provided in writing with the application. The coordinator can add public safety conditions for traffic control and fire safety, set the exact dates and times the permit is effective, and require cleanup, including returning the site to its original condition and a refundable bond for public property.

Neighbors have a voice too. The applicant notifies affected owners and occupants at least 48 hours ahead, and if filming exceeds two days or runs in a residential zone between 7:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m., owners and occupants of all properties within 200 feet of the affected properties must be notified (§ 5.21.100). Responses to those notices are considered in the evaluation and can be cause for restrictions, conditions or denial. A permittee who disagrees with a condition can appeal to the City Manager within five working days (§ 5.21.160).