San Leandro, CA Special Events & Permits: Commercial Filming on Public Right-of-Way (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- SLMC § 5.08.144, Temporary Use Permits
- Permit authority
- Zoning Enforcement Official
- Max duration
- 90 days per approval
- Frequency cap
- Not more than four times a year
- Public hearing
- None required
- Appeal path
- Chapter 5.20 Appeals
- Separate permit
- Ch. 2.4 Film Liaison permit also required
Summary
San Leandro treats commercial filming as a temporary land use, not only a citywide filming activity. Municipal Code Section 5.08.144 requires productions shooting in residential, commercial, or industrial zoning districts to obtain a Zoning Temporary Use Permit from the Zoning Enforcement Official, on top of the professional filming permit the Film Liaison issues under Chapter 2.4. The zoning permit caps filming at 90 days and no more than four uses a year per site.
A temporary use permit authorizing certain temporary use classifications as listed in various residential, commercial, and industrial districts under the heading "Temporary Uses Subject to Administrative Review..." shall be subject to the provisions of this section. Temporary uses shall include: Christmas Tree and Pumpkin Sales; Commercial Filming; Assembly Uses, Temporary; Street or Neighborhood Fairs; Temporary Real Estate Offices; Outdoor Retail Sales; Temporary Storage Containers; Circuses and Carnivals; Trade Fairs; Non-Recurring Swap Meets; and Animal Shows. ... An approved temporary use permit shall be effective on the date of its approval; a disapproved permit may be appealed by the applicant, as provided in Chapter 5.20 Appeals. The permit shall be valid for a specified time period not to exceed 90 days as specified by the Zoning Enforcement Official's approval action.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4967405; v8 updated 2026-07-06).
Full Breakdown
144, "Commercial Filming" is one of eleven listed temporary use classifications, alongside Assembly Uses Temporary and Street or Neighborhood Fairs, that the Zoning Code treats as "Temporary Uses Subject to Administrative Review" in districts including RD, RM, RO, RS, CC, CN, and CR. A production files a completed application form and pays the required fee to the Zoning Enforcement Official, who may request additional plans or materials to assess impacts. No public notice or hearing is required; the Zoning Enforcement Official approves, conditionally approves, or denies the application within a reasonable time, based on findings that the use is consistent with the General Plan and this Chapter and will not be detrimental to surrounding property or to public health, safety, or welfare.
Conditions can be attached to keep the shoot compatible with adjoining uses. 144 is required to use that allowance. 4 requires from the Film Liaison for the same shoot, which separately covers application fees, written landowner permission, 72-hour neighbor notice, filming hours, and insurance. 20 Appeals.
Violations & Fines
A temporary use permit lapses if filming does not occur within the approved dates, and the Zoning Enforcement Official may revoke it immediately, by verbal or written notice, for violation of the permit's terms; verbal notice must be confirmed in writing within a reasonable time. Filming without the required zoning permit, or beyond the approved 90-day window or four-times-a-year cap, exposes the production and property owner to zoning enforcement separate from any action under the Chapter 2.4 filming permit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does filming a commercial in San Leandro need more than one permit?
How long can a filming temporary use permit last in San Leandro?
Is a public hearing held before a filming temporary use permit is approved?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in San Leandro
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