Filming in San Diego County

What you need to know to film in San Diego County. Film permit requirements will vary depending on the area you're in. For questions, contact us at film@sdcounty.ca.gov. 

Sheriff's Department Support 

Film requests that include any of the following will require Sheriff's Department review:

• Traffic Control & Equipment: Requires traffic control, lane or street closures, “no parking” signage, safety equipment or other equipment such as generators in the public right of way.
• Pyrotechnics, Special Effects or Open Flame: Includes elements that require a pyrotechnic, special effect, open flame, or other permit type required by the CA Fire Code.
• Gunfire & Weapons: Includes gunfire or other special weapon props, such as but not limited to knives, swords, tasers and explosive devices.
• Crime Scene In Public View: Include any actions in public view that would cause a reasonable citizen to call 911 or think that a crime is being committed. Examples include but are not limited to scenes that portray a robbery, chase, abduction, etc.
• Other Public Safety Risks: Includes any additional components or production activities that may pose a public safety risk.

If a production does not include any of the components mentioned above that require public safety review, the production will only require a written notification of proposed activities to the Sheriff’s Licensing Division e.g., date, time and location where filming will occur. This includes juvenile production scenes for school projects or any type of commercial filming.

County Aiports 

View a list of County airports. Costs for filming at an airport start at $350. If interested in filming at a County airport, please email film@sdcounty.ca.gov. 

Fire Protection District Support

Activities that require San Diego County Fire review, or help with sending to the applicable fire agency, include:

• Activities that could impact, obstruct or otherwise affect emergency
• Vehicle Access on public or private roadways
• Filming in remote areas with minimal or no emergency vehicle access
• Activities involving large occupant loads, open flames, explosives, pyrotechnic display or other special effects that could pose a risk of unwanted fire or risk of injury.
• For a map of County Fire Service Area, please click here.

Private Property 

A County permit is generally not needed for filming on private property, but there may be exceptions. For example, an encroachment or right-of-way permit is required if blocking a County road.