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Film Permit Application
The City of San José supports film, television, commercial, documentary, and digital content productions of all sizes. Our goal is to provide a clear, predictable, and film-friendly process that helps your production stay on schedule and on budget.
A City of San José Office of Cultural Affairs Film Permit is required when filming involves:
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Public property (sidewalks, plazas, streets, buildings)
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Private commercial parking lots used for active production operations*
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Film equipment that may block or impact pedestrian or vehicle access
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Cast/crew footprints beyond typical personal use
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Supported activities such as drones, stunts, night shoots, SFX lighting, or production vehicles
The Office of Cultural Affairs (OCA) serves as your central point of contact when filming on public streets, sidewalks, paseos, plazas and/or private commercial parking lots. Submit one film permit application, and OCA will coordinate all necessary internal reviews. Please contact FilmPermits@sanjoseca.gov if you are unsure whether your production requires a permit.
*A Film Permit is not required for filming on residential properties or parking production vehicles but requires approval from property owner.
Turnaround Time
Submitting a complete application with required documents helps ensure on-time issuance.
- Standard Film Permits: 5-7 business days
- Complex Film Permits: 2-4 weeks
Standard Film Permits include setups that impact sidewalks, paseos, plazas or private commercial parking lots. They do not require any additional permitting such as tow-away permits, street closures, SJPD officers, etc. For example, simple setups that include a tripod and/or some lighting on the sidewalk can be processed in as little as 5 days.
Complex Film Permits require more processing time. Complex Film Permits entail additional resources and/or services from other city departments or county agencies. This applies to productions that include street closures, tow-away permits, city staffing, stunts, pyrotechnics, etc. Processing times begin once a complete application and all required supporting documents have been received.
Film Permit Fees
These fees cover application processing, coordination with all relevant City departments, review of activity type and site plans, and permit issuance.
| PERMIT TYPE | BASE PERMIT FEE | ADDITIONAL DAY FEE |
|---|---|---|
| Film Permit | $159 | $80 per additional day |
| Non-Profit Film Permit | $80 | $48 per additional day |
| Student Film Permit | $43 | $11 per additional day |
How to Apply
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Submit your Film Permit Application
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Submit additional necessary documentations:
- Certificate of Insurance (COI) naming the City of San José as Additional Insured
- Scene summary
- Site diagram of each filming location
- Notification plan for night shoots or high impact activity
- Drone documentation (if applicable)
3. OCA reviews your materials and routes them to necessary departments
4. OCA contacts you with any questions or additional requirements
5. Your permit is approved and issued via email
6. Film in the City of San José!
*For complex scenes, OCA will coordinate a pre-production meeting between you and all necessary departments.
If you need additional assistance, please contact FilmPermits@sanjoseca.gov.