Film Permits
The City of Takoma Park encourages the production of motion pictures, television and commercial photography within our boundaries. The permit process aims to ensure that filming and videotaping is consistent with public health and safety and the protection of property.
Application for permits must be submitted 14 calendar days in advance of the date the filming activity is to begin.
Permits are required for the following types of activity:
- Commercial filming activity
- Closure of a public street, sidewalk, park or when activity substantially impedes vehicular traffic thereon
- Parking of more than two motor vehicles on any public street within the City
- Loud noise, bright lights, hazardous activities, or
hazardous substances
A film permit applicant must obtain the property owner’s permission for use of property not owned or controlled by the City.
Film permits are not required for the following types of activity:
- Filming activities conducted for news purposes
- Filming activities conducted at a studio
- Filming activities conducted for use in a criminal investigation or civil or criminal court proceeding
- Noncommercial filming activities conducted on private property solely for private or family use
- Student filming activities
Fees
| Film Permit Fees | Cost |
|---|---|
| Application Fee (non refundable) | $20 |
| 1-3 day Film Permit Fee | $250 |
| 7 day Film Permit Fee | $400 |
| Street or Sidewalk Closure | $100 per day |
| Use of City Property & Facilities | $50 plus facility fee (see attached fee schedule) |
| Parking Permits (for parking in permitted zones) Vehicles less than 8500 gvwr | $20 per day |
| Parking Permits (for parking in permitted zones) Vehicles more than 8500 gvwr | $60 per day |
| TPPD Police Officers on site monitoring | $50 per hour |
| Other City Staff on site monitoring | varies |
| Changes to Permit | $100 |
| Location Release Review | $175 per hour |
[1] The availability of police officers is not guaranteed.
[2] Required only if applicant declines to use the City’s location release form. See Appendix 2
For more information on the film permit requirements visit Chapter 8.44 in the Takoma Park Code.
Road Closures, Traffic Control and other Special Requests
Parking close to the filming location is subject to availability and not guaranteed unless a waiver of parking restrictions is granted.
When filming a scene that requires street or sidewalk closures or intermittent traffic control, permit holder must make arrangements to ensure public safety and assist with the effective flow of traffic. Such arrangements must be approved by the City of Takoma Park Police Department.
For any projects requiring power generators, excessive noise or lights, permit holders will be required to notify nearby businesses and residences 48 hours in advance of filming.
Clean up
The permit holder shall conduct operations in an orderly fashion with continuous attention to the storage of equipment not in use and the cleanup of trash and debris. The area used shall be cleaned of trash and debris upon completion of filming at the scene and restored to the original condition before leaving the site.
Cancellation/Change Policy
We require a minimum of 48 hours of notice for any changes or cancellation of your permit in order to be eligible for a partial refund of your permit fee (50%). Application fees are nonrefundable.
