Petaluma, CA Filming & Production: Production Noise (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- PMC § 13.40.090(C)
- Regulated items
- Gunfire, explosions, hazardous devices
- Related condition
- Filming-hour restrictions, § 13.40.090(D)
- Disclosure required
- Stunts/effects listed on application
- Violation
- Infraction, plus permit revocation
Summary
Petaluma's film permit ordinance lets the city manager restrict or condition the use of gunfire, explosions and other noise-creating or hazardous devices on a film shoot, and separately allows conditions restricting the hours a production can operate.
The city manager may condition the issuance of a filming activity permit by imposing reasonable requirements concerning the time, place and manner of filming activities including but not limited to the following: ... ... C. Restrictions on the use of gunfire, explosions and other noise-creating or hazardous devices;
Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: current through Ordinance 2931 NCS, passed July 6, 2026).
Full Breakdown
090 authorizes the city manager to condition the issuance of a filming activity permit by imposing reasonable requirements concerning the time, place and manner of filming. Among the listed conditions, subsection C specifically empowers restrictions on the use of gunfire, explosions and other noise-creating or hazardous devices during a shoot, and subsection D separately allows restrictions on the hours of filming activity, giving the city manager a direct tool to keep loud simulated gunfire, pyrotechnics or special-effects work away from early mornings, late nights or sensitive nearby uses.
070(C), so the city manager can evaluate noise and safety impacts before approving, conditioning or denying the permit. 090(E) when a noisy shoot is planned nearby. This filming-specific noise authority sits apart from the city's general noise ordinance in the zoning code; it applies as a condition of the film permit itself rather than as a standalone decibel limit, and the city manager has discretion to tailor conditions to the specific devices and effects a production intends to use.
Violations & Fines
Violating any permit condition imposed under Section 13.40.090, including restrictions on gunfire, explosives or noise-creating devices, is grounds for permit revocation by the city manager under Section 13.40.140, and a violation of any provision of Chapter 13.40 is an infraction that may also be pursued as a civil action under Section 13.40.160.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Petaluma restrict gunfire and explosions during a film shoot?
Do I have to tell the city about stunts or special effects before filming?
Can the city limit what hours a production can shoot in Petaluma?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Petaluma
California rules heatmap·Compare Petaluma to another location·View the California filming & production overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.