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Redondo Beach, CA Filming & Production: Student Filming (2026)

Light Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Security deposit for students
Waived under § 6-5.08(c)
Documentation required
Student certificate + school letterhead letter
Application lead time
5 business days minimum
Insurance still required
$1,000,000 general liability/property damage
Violation penalty
Misdemeanor, separate offense per day

Summary

Redondo Beach still requires a Film Permit for student projects, but waives the usual security deposit for filmmakers enrolled at a recognized school who submit a student certificate and a letterhead explanation of the assignment.

"Student" shall mean an individual enrolled in a recognized educational institution and who is conducting filming for the purpose of a class assignment or school requirement. All film permit requests shall include a student certificate from the school and a letter from the school on the school's official letterhead explaining the project requirement. ... Notwithstanding the foregoing, the City will waive the requirement of a security deposit for filming conducted by a Student as defined in Section 6-5.02 of the Redondo Beach Municipal Code.

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4889554; v14 updated 2026-05-12).

Full Breakdown

02 defines "Student" as an individual enrolled in a recognized educational institution who is conducting filming for a class assignment or school requirement, and specifies that all film permit requests relying on student status must include a student certificate from the school and a letter on the school's official letterhead explaining the project requirement. " Everything else in the Film Permit chapter still applies to a student production. The applicant must file with the Chief of the Fire Department or designee at least five business days before filming, describe the exact location and dates, disclose the number of cast and crew, and still carry the same liability insurance minimums, including $1,000,000 in general liability and property damage coverage, unless the City's Risk Manager approves an exception. The waiver only removes the cash deposit, not the insurance, application, or review requirements that apply to every filming activity in the City.

Violations & Fines

A student who films without the required permit, or who submits false or misleading information, including a fabricated student certificate, is subject to the same misdemeanor penalty under § 6-5.11(a) that applies to any Film Permit violation, and each continuing day of unpermitted filming is a separate offense.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do students still need a film permit in Redondo Beach?
Yes. Section 6-5.03 requires a Film Permit for all filming in the City with narrow exceptions for news media and purely personal use; student projects are not exempt, they only get relief on the security deposit.
What paperwork proves student status?
Under § 6-5.02, the application must include a student certificate from the school and a letter on the school's official letterhead explaining the project requirement, tying the filming to an actual class assignment.
Does the student waiver cover insurance too?
No. Section 6-5.08(c) waives only the refundable security deposit for student filmmakers; the insurance minimums and hold-harmless agreement required under § 6-5.08(a) still apply.

Sources & Official References

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