San Bernardino Filming & Photography Permits Guide

San Bernardino, California requires permits for many commercial filming and organized photography activities on public property and for events that affect traffic, parking, or public safety. This guide explains which activities typically need approval, the departments that administer permits, how enforcement and appeals work, and where to find official applications and contacts.

Overview

Permit requirements in San Bernardino vary by location and impact. Typical triggers for a permit include use of public streets or sidewalks, parking or traffic control needs, professional film crews, use of props or special effects, and activities with amplified sound. Private property shoots usually need only the owners permission, but city permits may still be required for signs, blocking sidewalks, or staged stunts on or visible from public rights-of-way. For the controlling municipal rules see the city code and ordinances.^[1]

• Commercial film or photography on public property
• Street closures, lane reductions, or parking impacts
• Use of generators, scaffolding, or construction-related activity
• Special effects, pyrotechnics, smoke, or stunts

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement is carried out by the city departments responsible for permits, typically Community Development/Planning, Public Works, and the Police Department. Specific monetary fines, escalation schedules, and non-monetary sanctions are set in the municipal code or administrative regulations; where the official page does not list amounts, the code or permit page must be consulted directly for figures.^[1]

• Fine amounts: not specified on the cited page; see the municipal code for statute amounts and daily penalties.^[1]
• Escalation: whether first, repeat, or continuing offences carry rising penalties is not specified on the cited page; consult the code for specific schedules.^[1]
• Non-monetary sanctions: orders to stop work, revocation/suspension of permits, seizure of unpermitted equipment, and abatement may apply per city authority. Specific procedures are set by ordinance or departmental policy.^[1]
• Enforcer and complaints: contact Community Development/Planning or the Police Department for on-site enforcement and complaint intake; see Resources below.
• Appeals and review: appeal routes and time limits are established in the municipal code or permit conditions; time limits are not specified on the cited page and should be confirmed in the controlling ordinance.^[1]

Applications & Forms

Commonly used documents include a Film Permit Application and related Street Closure or Special Event permit forms. Fees, exact form names or numbers, and submission instructions are published on the citys permit pages and application packets; if fees or form numbers are not shown on the cited page, they are "not specified on the cited page" and must be confirmed with the department.^[2]

• Film Permit Application (name and form reference: see city permit page).^[2]
• Street Closure or Right-of-Way Use permit (when production affects traffic or parking).^[2]
• Fees: not specified on the cited page; verify current fees with the permitting office.^[2]

How to Comply

Follow these practical steps to secure approval and reduce enforcement risk.

1. Determine whether your activity affects public property, traffic, or public safety and thus requires a permit.
2. Download and complete the Film Permit Application and any supplementary permits (street closure, special event) and attach insurance and indemnity documents as required.
3. Submit applications early to allow review, coordinate with police/public works for traffic control plans, and schedule inspections if required.
4. Pay any permit fees and post required bonds or deposits before the scheduled activity.

FAQ

Do I always need a permit to film in San Bernardino?

Not always; private property shoots without public impacts may not need a city permit, but any use of public rights-of-way, street closures, parking changes, amplified sound, or special effects typically requires permits.

How long does approval take?

Review times vary by scope and required interdepartmental reviews; the city permit page provides submission guidance and typical lead times where available.

What if Im cited for filming without a permit?

Contact the enforcing department immediately, follow posted orders, and use the permit appeals process if available; specific penalties and appeal deadlines are set in the municipal code.^[1]

How-To

1. Identify the locations, dates, activities, and whether public rights-of-way will be used.
2. Obtain and complete the Film Permit Application and any related permits; attach proof of insurance and requested documents.
3. Submit applications to Community Development/Planning (or designated office) and coordinate required police or public works services.
4. Pay fees, secure bonds if required, and comply with permit conditions during the shoot.

Key Takeaways

• Many shoots require city permits whenever public space, traffic, or safety is affected.
• Submit applications early and include insurance and traffic control plans.
• Contact Community Development/Planning or Police for enforcement, complaints, or emergency guidance.

Help and Support / Resources

• Community Development / Planning Department
• Public Works (traffic and street closure coordination)
• San Bernardino Police Department (public safety and on-site enforcement)

1. [1] City of San Bernardino Municipal Code and Ordinances
2. [2] City of San Bernardino Film Permit information and application