Filming at Regional Parks

Regional Parks provides unique backdrops for filming locations. Each park has its own climate, landscape and habitat, native to San Bernardino County. Regional Parks offers six campgrounds, multiple lakes, trails and plenty of scenery, and even a ghost town. Permits are only needed for commercial productions and does not apply to hobbyists or personal photography, including family/wedding photos. Drone (UAS) usage is not permitted at any of our parks, including Calico Ghost Town without a permit (see below).

San Bernardino County’s Film Office

The San Bernardino County Economic Development Department aides in obtaining film and photo permits for all commercial filming/photography done in the unincorporated areas of San Bernardino County. Our permit coordinators can aide in providing answers, solutions, and alternative courses of action to help your production become a reality.

Permit Coordination

Our team will help coordinate your film or photo with timely, effective communication. Once your permit application is submitted through San Bernardino County’s online application system, our team will review all necessary documentation and reach out to you to ensure that you are briefed throughout the entire process including any potential setbacks or uncertainties that may arise.

If you have any questions about the process, please do not hesitate to reach out to us at EDAFilm@eda.sbcounty.gov.

A filming permit is required for all commercial filming/photography done in the unincorporated areas of San Bernardino County. Click here to verify that your film location is within San Bernardino County’s jurisdiction.

What are the filming permit processing fees?

  • Film permit (motion, still, and student): $258.00/permit.
  • Minor rider – additions, corrections or alterations to permits: $69.00/permit.
  • Major rider – additions, corrections or alterations to permits which involves collecting fees on behalf of other departments: $94.00/permit.
  • Applicants are subject to additional fees based on the complexity of the production.

What is the turnaround time for a permit?

  • Standard Permit (excluding filming on county-maintained roads, filming at regional parks, and use of drones): Up to 3 business days upon receipt of all required documentation meeting county standards.
  • Drone Permits: Up to 7 business days upon receipt of all required documentation meeting county standards.
  • County Road Filming Permits: The Public Works Department requires a minimum of 7 business days for processing.
  • County Regional Park Filming Permits: The Regional Parks Department requires a minimum of 4 business weeks for processing.

Additional Required Documents for Drone Usage:

  • Request to Use Drone UAS Application Form
  • A detailed description of proposed flight activities (including maps)
  • Copy of Remote Pilot Certificate/License
  • Proof of successfully completed Knowledge Test
  • Copy of Small UAS Certification
  • Certificate of Insurance (COI) meeting the UAS Specific Insurance Requirements
  • Letter of Endorsement (LOE) meeting the UAS Specific Insurance Requirements
Get more permitting info, waivers & agreement forms

Film Permit Application Process

FOR THE BEST EXPERIENCE, PLEASE COMPLETE APPLICATION ON A DESKTOP DEVICE.

Any questions can be directed to the County of San Bernardino – Film Commission
EDAFilm@eda.sbcounty.gov | (909) 387-4358

Can I apply online? Yes, applications can be found in the EZ Online Permitting Portal

Submission of application does not guarantee permit approval. Application fee is non-refundable.

The following information is about the County of San Bernardino Film Permit Application. This application allows the permittee to film for commercial use at the location(s) specified in the application. In addition, this application allows the permittee to film on public, commercial or private property with approval within the jurisdiction of San Bernardino County. The application must be accompanied by a private property approval form, commercial rental agreement and/or county locations for approval. Please note, the film ordinance requires production agencies and/ or applicants to obtain a film permit. This permit can be filed by the applicant or production company for commercial use. Personal use filming does not require a film permit. It is prohibited to use personal use films for commercial use. Illegal filming is subject to fee remedies outlined in County Code.

A filming permit may be required if your project includes any of the following:

  • Filming on public property
  • Filming requiring setup of barricades, street closure, lane closure, or sidewalk closure
  • Night-time filming in a residential area with the use of an outdoor light
  • Use of a temporary structure, such as a stage
  • Use of intellectual property belonging to the City
  • Pyrotechnics or other explosives
  • Smoke effects, water effects, or flame effects
  • Display of real or artificial firearms
  • Vehicle chases and/or crashes
  • Dangerous stunts
  • Use of any equipment that may cause damage to public property
  • Use of wild animals regulated by law

A filming permit is NOT required for filming on public property while exercising First Amendment rights. This means you are allowed to film rallies, protests, and demonstrations taking place on public property without first obtaining a filming permit.

This permit must be submitted by project, date and location. Film permits must provide the following documentation to be considered for approval:

  • Private Property Approval Form (i.e. obtain signature from a private property owner)
  • Commercial Rental Agreement (i.e. obtain location use contract from commercial property)
  • San Bernardino County Location Form (i.e. obtain location use at county regional parks, zoos, roads, etc.)
  • General Liability
  • Indemnification
  • Credits Agreement