Introduction
The Location Permit Requirements tool provides a city-by-city reference for film permit requirements across major US filming markets including Los Angeles, New York City, Chicago, Atlanta, San Francisco, New Orleans, Miami, Austin, and Las Vegas. For each city you see the permit office name and website, general liability insurance minimum required, additional insured requirements, typical permit lead time, approximate fees, and local requirements unique to that market.
What This Tool Calculates
Filming on public streets, sidewalks, parks, and government property in any US city requires a permit. Permits notify the city of production activity, reserve your right to use a location during your shoot window, and ensure you carry sufficient insurance to indemnify the city against property damage or liability claims. Without a permit, local police can shut down your production immediately. Most US cities require at minimum $1 million per occurrence in general liability coverage with the city listed as additional insured.
The Formula and How It Works
The general liability certificate must name the city or county as additional insured. Standard minimums are $1 million per occurrence and $2 million aggregate across most markets. San Francisco requires $2 million per occurrence. Stunts, large crowds, or street closures may require umbrella or excess liability on top of the primary GL. Your production insurance broker can add additional insureds to your certificate within one business day. Always request certificates early as many film offices require the certificate before issuing the permit.
Real-World Examples
Los Angeles vs New York: Comparing the Two Largest Markets
FilmLA manages permits for both the City and County of Los Angeles with a streamlined online application, clear fee schedules, and dedicated field coordinators. LA permits typically run $700 to $2,000 per location day with 3 to 5 business days lead time. NYC's Mayor's Office of Media and Entertainment handles city permits, but street closures require DOT coordination, transit filming needs separate MTA authorization, and fees range from $300 to $800 plus location-specific charges. Both cities require 3 to 10 business days depending on scope.
Key Facts by Market
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Atlanta is among the most filmmaker-friendly markets, supported by Georgia's 30% transferable tax credit, with permit fees as low as $100 to $500. | |
| Chicago is consistently accessible with many exterior locations permit-free for small crews. | |
| Las Vegas is unique because the Strip is privately owned; each casino property has its own permit process independent of the city film office. | |
| San Francisco has the highest GL minimum at $2 million per occurrence. | |
| New Orleans offers Louisiana's 25% base production tax credit with the French Quarter requiring additional approvals from neighborhood preservation authorities.. |
Pro Tips and Common Mistakes
Pro Tips
- Apply at least five business days before a public property shoot, and two to three weeks in advance for complex shoots with street closures or large equipment.
- Always call the film office before applying to ask about special requirements for your specific location.
- Build permit fees and production insurance into your budget from the start: even a simple one-day exterior can cost $500 to $2,000 in combined fees.
- Many cities offer reduced or waived fees for student productions with proof of enrollment..
Common Mistakes
- Using a certificate of insurance from a previous production is the most common mistake: each permit requires a new certificate with the specific city listed as additional insured and the correct policy period.
- Complex shoots like Manhattan street closures can require three to four weeks of advance coordination.
- Many productions forget permits for secondary locations like parking lots and alleys adjacent to the main location.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to film in a restaurant or shop?
Filming in private establishments requires permission from the property owner, not a city permit. However, if your production uses the public sidewalk or street in front, you need a city permit for those public spaces. Get location agreements in writing from all private property owners.
What happens if I film without a permit?
Local police can order you to stop filming immediately, equipment may be confiscated, production companies can be fined, and repeat violations can result in being blacklisted from filming in that jurisdiction.
Start Calculating
Use the calculator above to run your numbers before your next production.
