Boise, ID Filming & Production: Student Filming (2026)
Key Facts
- Film permit required
- No, exempt
- Proof needed
- Enrollment + course-requirement letter
- Still required
- Location bookings, fees paid
- First violation
- Infraction (§ 1-4-2)
- Repeat violation
- Misdemeanor (§ 1-4-1)
Summary
Boise exempts student films made for a class requirement from the City's commercial film permit, but filmmakers must still book locations, pay applicable fees, and prove enrollment on request.
STUDENT FILM: Any filming activity conducted by a student to fulfill a course requirement at a public or private school, college, or university. Student filmmakers must supply proof that they are currently enrolled in school and the film is a course requirement upon request by the City Clerk... Still photography, student, contest, and charitable films and news media filming are exempt from obtaining a film permit.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-31: Code current through: Ord. 20-26, passed 6-9-2026).
Full Breakdown
Boise City Code title 3, chapter 20 (Film Permits, adopted by Ord. 44-23, effective 11-1-2024) defines a "student film" as filming conducted by a student to fulfill a course requirement at a public or private school, college, or university, and student filmmakers must supply proof of current enrollment and that the project is a course requirement if the City Clerk asks. Student films are exempt from obtaining a film permit under section 3-20-6(A), but exempted filming still has to secure any needed location reservations and pay applicable public-property fees under 3-20-6(B), and post "filming in progress" signage plus advance notice to police/dispatch if a weapon is brandished on camera.
Violations & Fines
A first violation of the exempt-filming requirements in section 3-20-6(B) is an infraction; a repeat violation is a general misdemeanor under section 1-4-1.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Boise State students need a film permit for a class project downtown?
What proof does the City ask for on a student film?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Boise
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