Permit Process & Guidelines
City of Burbank
FILM PERMIT APPLICATION PROCESS
As a production center for the motion picture and television industry, the City of Burbank actively promotes a positive atmosphere for production companies wishing to film within the City limits. A film permit is required for all filming done within the City of Burbank. We have a simplified permit procedure designed to coordinate all your production needs with City health and safety requirements. The following clearly outlines permit procedures and restrictions for filming in the City of Burbank.
All film permits applications shall be submitted online at www.filmburbank.com. In the event that there is an issue applying online, the applicant may submit a paper application. (Application is located under PDF Form Library, Film Permit Request Form)
Step 1
Review the film permit rules and regulations to determine the documents/steps needed to complete an application within the proper timeframe. A non-refundable processing fee will be charged for ANY (incomplete or complete) application submitted. More information can be found below in the FAQ: “Is There a Film Permit Application Fee?”
Step 2
Submit the film permit application form online five business days prior to the first proposed film date for requests involving extraordinary circumstances (refer to section three of rules and regulations) or three business days for all other requests that do not include outlined extraordinary circumstances. *Please note that the film permit office is dark on Fridays. (Business days are Monday-Thursday.) A non-refundable processing fee is required to process the film permit application.
Step 3
Submit a certificate of insurance, an additional endorsement form (CG 2012 or AIE form), and a completed appendix J. All documents are available in the PDF Library.
Step 4
If necessary, contact any affected City Department (Public Works, Parks, etc.) for departmental approval.
Appropriate forms must be reviewed and approved, and fees MUST be collected before actual filming begins.
FILM PERMIT FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What are the office hours for permits?
Our office is open from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday through Thursday. Permits are issued between 8:30 am and 4:00 pm.
Is there a film permit application fee?
Yes. Each film permit application shall be accompanied by a nonrefundable processing fee in the amount established by the City of Burbank.
A current list of fees can be found HERE.
How long does it take to get a permit?
Three (3) business days’ notice is required. If the filming is complex, it is recommended to contact the Film Permit Office 1-2 weeks prior to the scheduled filming date.
Can I fax or e-mail in a permit request?
Do I need a permit if I am a student?
Yes, if you are a Postsecondary student a permit is required. The student will pay a reduced application fee.
The student will need to provide us with your student ID and a letter from your school stating your name and dates of the filming. Other fees may apply depending on your film activity.
A current list of fees can be found HERE.
Do I need a permit if I am a non-profit organization?
Yes, however there is a discounted rate for qualified non-profit proganizations. You will need to provide a copy of your IRS 501c form. Other fees may apply depending on your film activity.
A current list of fees can be found HERE.
If I am filming all on private property, do I need a permit?
Yes, unless you are filming within a certified sound stage.
What kind of insurance is required in order to get a film permit?
Insurance for filming is required. The applicant/permittee must maintain in force, during the full term of the film permit insurance in the following amounts and coverages:
- Commercial General Liability Insurance with limits not less than $1,000,000 each occurrence Combined Single Limit for Bodily Injury and Property Damage, including coverages for Contractual Liability, Personal Injury, Independent Contractors, Broadform Property Damage, and Products Liability and Completed Operations. If a general aggregate limit applies, either the general aggregate limit shall apply separately to this project/location or the general aggregate limit shall be twice the required occurrence limit;
- Commercial Automobile Liability Insurance with limits not less than $1,000,000 each occurrence Combined Single Limit for Bodily Injury and Property Damage, including coverages for owned, non-owned and hired automobiles, as applicable; and
- Workers’ Compensation Insurance in statutory amounts with Employer’s Liability Coverage with limits of not less than $1,000,000 each accident.
- Commercial General Liability and Commercial Automobile Liability Insurance policies must provide the following: (See Attachment E, Insurance example)
- Name as Additional Insured the City of Burbank, its Officers, Agents, Employees, and Volunteers on a form acceptable to City.
- That such policies are primary insurance to any other insurance available to the Additional Insureds, with respect to any claims arising out of the film permit, and that insurance applies separately to each insured against whom claim is made or suit is brought.
The insurance certificate and endorsement form must be reviewed and approved by the City Attorney.
Until we receive insurance documents that meet all of the City’s requirements, we cannot consider the application complete.
Will a Police /Fire officer be assigned during my filming?
If your filming or parking of equipment/production vehicles are on public property, a least one Burbank Police Officer will be assigned. Additional police officers may be assigned if the filming activity warrants it.
Interior filming on private or public property usually requires a Fire Safety Officer. The permit will be reviewed by the Burbank Fire Department.
How do I hire police/fire personnel?
The Film Permit Office will coordinate with the Police and Fire Departments in assigning officers. The rate for Police Officers is $140.00 per hour per officer with a 4-hour minimum. The rate for the Fire Department is $130.00 per hour. Service requests over 4 hours will include an additional 30 minutes for pre- and post-assignment tasks (rate subject to change).
For up-to-date fees www.burbankca.gov/departments/financial-services/budget