Crew Parking Permits for Film Shoots - San Bernardino

Events and Special Uses California 3 Minutes Read · published February 10, 2026 Flag of California

In San Bernardino, California, film and production crews must follow city rules for on-street and public lot parking when staging vehicles, equipment trucks, and cast transport. This guide explains how the City handles crew parking permits, required notifications, typical conditions imposed on shoots, and the roles of Community Development, Police, and Parking Enforcement. It focuses on practical steps production managers must take before arrival and during filming to reduce disruption and avoid citations or tow actions. Read the sections below for enforcement, forms and applications, common violations, a short FAQ, and a step-by-step how-to for securing crew parking on city streets and public lots.

Where permits apply

Permits typically cover temporary on-street parking, loading zones, curb-space holds, and designated public lots used by production. Private lot parking remains subject to the lot owner. Productions should coordinate with the City for any parking impacts that affect traffic flow, bus stops, or ADA access.

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement is handled jointly by City departments: Community Development (Permitting), Police Department (public safety, traffic control), and Parking Enforcement (tickets, towing). For permit issuance and permit conditions contact the Community Development Department.[1]

  • Fines: specific dollar amounts for parking violations or permit noncompliance are not specified on the cited page.
  • Escalation: first, repeat, and continuing offence ranges are not specified on the cited page.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: orders to vacate, permit revocation or suspension, vehicle tow or impound, and requirement to cease activities pending compliance.
  • Enforcers: San Bernardino Police Department (traffic/public safety), Parking Enforcement; inspections and complaints are handled via department contacts and online service portals.
  • Appeals and review: appeal routes are through the City administrative process; time limits for filing appeals are not specified on the cited page.
  • Defences and discretion: permitted activities undertaken under an approved city permit or approved variance are generally allowed; officers retain discretion for public safety exceptions.
Always secure an approved permit before staging crew parking on public streets.

Applications & Forms

The City requires permits or approvals for certain parking uses connected to film shoots. Specific form names, numbers, fees, and submission portals are not specified on the cited page; contact Community Development for current application materials and fee schedules.[1]

  • Application form: not specified on the cited page; request the film/temporary use parking form from Community Development.
  • Fees: not specified on the cited page; fees may vary by scope and required traffic control.
  • Deadlines: submit permit applications as early as possible; any specific lead time is not specified on the cited page.
  • Submission: contact Community Development for electronic or in-person submission instructions.[1]

Common violations

  • Blocking fire hydrants, driveways, or ADA ramps without explicit authorization.
  • Using bus stops, emergency lanes, or dedicated bike lanes for staging vehicles.
  • Operating without an approved permit when parking impacts public rights-of-way.
  • Failure to follow required traffic control plans, signage, or flagger directions.

Action steps for productions

  • Contact the Community Development Department early to identify permit requirements and complete applications.[1]
  • Allow sufficient lead time for review and circulation to Police, Public Works, and Parking Enforcement.
  • Prepare a parking plan showing vehicle counts, sizes, times, and required traffic control measures.
  • Budget for potential fees, traffic control, and the cost of appeals or corrective actions if cited.
A clear parking plan reduces the risk of enforcement action and tow events.

FAQ

Do I need a crew parking permit for a one-day shoot?
Possibly; if your shoot uses public curb space, loading zones, or affects traffic, the City may require a permit — contact Community Development to confirm.[1]
Who enforces parking rules for film shoots?
San Bernardino Police Department and Parking Enforcement enforce parking rules; Community Development issues permits and coordinates conditions.
What happens if a vehicle is cited or towed?
Towing, fines, and orders to vacate are possible; follow the citation instructions and contact the issuing agency to learn appeal options.

How-To

  1. Contact Community Development to discuss your proposed dates and parking impacts and request the film/temporary parking checklist.[1]
  2. Prepare and submit a parking plan with vehicle manifests, precise locations, times, and any needed traffic control plans.
  3. Pay required permit fees and secure any third-party traffic control or signage contractors the City requires.
  4. Comply with permit conditions on site; display permits, maintain clear emergency access, and follow Police or Public Works directions.
  5. If cited, follow the citation for appeal instructions and contact the issuing department promptly.

Key Takeaways

  • Contact Community Development early to confirm whether a crew parking permit is required.[1]
  • Submit a clear parking plan and follow permit conditions to avoid fines or tow actions.

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