Los Angeles County Special Events & Permits: Commercial Filming on Public Right-of-Way Rules (2026)

Commercial film, TV, commercial, and still-photography productions in unincorporated LA County obtain permits through FilmLA, the county's exclusive film coordinator. Permits trigger automatic referrals to LA County Public Works for street closures and posted no-parking, the LA County Sheriff Department for off-duty deputy traffic detail and crowd security, and LACoFD for fire-safety officer presence whenever pyrotechnics, open flame, fueled stunts, or weapons are used. Productions in fire-zone areas must also clear defensible-space conditions before generators or open-flame devices operate. Standard permits issue in 3-5 business days; pyrotechnic and stunt permits require 5-10 days plus engineered plans. Residential-area filming requires neighbor surveys and posted signage 48 hours in advance.