Shoreline, WA Filming & Production: Street Closures (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- SMC § 5.25.030(A)(2)
- Triggers permit
- traffic/pedestrian interruption on streets
- Application fee
- per Chapter 3.01 SMC fee schedule
- Insurance minimum
- $1,000,000/$2,000,000
- Violation penalty
- $250 per day per violation
- Appeal window
- 14 days to hearing examiner
Summary
Shoreline requires a filmmaking permit whenever a production will temporarily interrupt vehicle or pedestrian traffic on city streets or sidewalks. SMC § 5.25.030 lists this alongside tripods, cables, generators and parking impacts as activities that trigger the permit requirement, which the city manager administers through the Shoreline Film Manual under Chapter 5.25 SMC.
A. Unless explicitly exempt in this chapter, it is unlawful for any person to make use of a public place for filmmaking or film production without first securing a filmmaking permit when the filmmaking or film production requires the: ... ... 2. Temporary interruption of vehicle or pedestrian traffic on city streets or sidewalks;
Full Breakdown
In the City of Shoreline, SMC § 5.25.030(A)(2) requires a filmmaking permit whenever film or video production will cause a temporary interruption of vehicle or pedestrian traffic on city streets or sidewalks. The same section also triggers a permit for use of a tripod or dolly on streets or sidewalks, placement of wires, cables or a generator over or on a street or sidewalk, and impacts to public parking, including space reservations. Applicants submit a completed application under SMC § 5.25.040 with the fee set by Chapter 3.01 SMC, and no filming may occur on city rights-of-way until the permit is approved and issued.
Before issuance, the applicant must pay all fees, may be required to post a bond or damage deposit set by the city manager to cover damage to public resources, and must carry commercial general liability insurance of at least $1,000,000 per occurrence and $2,000,000 aggregate under SMC § 5.25.050, naming the city as an additional insured. The permit type, low, moderate or high impact, depends on the anticipated impact of the street or traffic activity, with criteria set in the Shoreline Film Manual adopted under SMC § 5.25.070.
"Roving" productions that require no traffic control and cause no interruption to pedestrian activity may qualify for the exemption in SMC § 5.25.060, but any production that closes a lane, crosswalk or sidewalk does not.
Violations & Fines
Interrupting traffic on a city street or sidewalk without a filmmaking permit, or exceeding a permit's traffic-control terms, is a violation of SMC § 5.25.080 punishable by $250 per day per violation, plus an additional $2,000 if the conduct was deliberate or reckless. The responsible party is also liable for repairing any damage to city streets, signage or other property. Permit denial, suspension or a penalty may be appealed to the hearing examiner within 14 days of the city's decision.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to close a Shoreline street or sidewalk for filming?
What other street activities require a Shoreline filming permit?
What is the penalty for blocking traffic without a permit?
Is a small "roving" shoot on a sidewalk exempt?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Shoreline
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Street Closures in Nearby Cities
How other cities in King County handle street closures.