Atwater Municipal Code Ch. 5.58 Motion Picture Filming

No person shall use any public or private property, facility or residence for the purpose of staging or shooting commercial motion pictures, television shows, or commercials without first applying for and receiving a permit from the Finance Officer.

(Ord. CS 668, 1990)

The provisions of this chapter shall not apply to or affect reporters, photographers or cameramen in the employ of newspaper, news service, or similar entity engaged in on-the-spot broadcasting of news events concerning those persons, scenes or occurrences which are in the news and of general public interest, nor shall it apply to the filming or video taping of motion pictures solely for private-family use.

(Ord. CS 668, 1990)

Application for a permit shall be made to the finance Officer at least three working days in advance upon forms to be supplied to the applicant for that purpose. The application shall contain:

A. The name of the owner, the address and telephone number of the place at which the activity is to be conducted;

B. The inclusive hours and dates such activity will transpire;

C. A general statement of the character or nature of the proposed filming activity;

D. The name, address and telephone number of the person or persons in charge of such filming activity;

E. The exact number of personnel to be involved;

F. Use of any animals or pyrotechnics; and

G. The exact amount and type of vehicles and equipment to be involved.

(Ord. CS 668, 1990)

No fees are required for the permit; however, the production company shall reimburse the City of any personnel provided to the company (i.e., police, fire, traffic) for the purpose of assisting the production.

(Ord. CS 668, 1990)

A certificate of insurance shall be required in the sum of $1,000,000.00 naming the City, it's officers, employees and agents as a co-insured for protection against claims of third persons for personal injuries, wrongful deaths, and property damage before a permit is issued. The certificate shall no be subject to cancellation or modification until after 30 days written notice to the City.

(Ord. CS 668, 1990)

An applicant shall conform to all applicable federal and State requirements for worker's compensation insurance for all persons operating under a permit.

(Ord. CS 668, 1990)

An applicant shall execute a hold harmless agreement approved by the City Attorney prior to the issuance of a permit.

(Ord. CS 668, 1990)

To ensure clean-up and restoration of the site, an applicant shall be required to post a faithful performance bond or other acceptable security in the amount of $1,000.00 at the time the permit is issued.

(Ord. CS 668, 1990)

An applicant shall conduct operations in an orderly fashion with continuous attention to the storage of equipment not in use and the clean-up of trash and debris. The area used shall be cleaned of trash and debris upon completion of shooting at the scene and restored to the original condition before leaving the site.

(Ord. CS 668, 1990)

An applicant shall obtain the property owner's permission, consent and/or lease for use of property not owned or controlled by the City.

(Ord. CS 668, 1990)

For activity that would impair traffic flow in the City, an applicant must use local law enforcement personnel and comply with all traffic control requirements deemed necessary including, but not limited to, the following:

A. An applicant shall furnish and install advance warning signs and any other traffic control devices in conformance with the Manual of Traffic Controls, State of California, department of Transportation. All appropriate safety precautions must be taken.

B. Traffic may be restricted to one 12-foot lane of traffic and/or stopped intermittently. The period of time that traffic may be restricted will be determined by the City.

C. Traffic shall not be detoured across a double line without prior approval of the appropriate department representative.

D. Unless authorized by the City, camera cars must be driven in the direction of traffic and must observe all traffic laws.

E. Any emergency road work or construction by City crews and/or private contractors, under permit or contract to the appropriate department, shall have priority over filming activities.

(Ord. CS 668, 1990)