Canyon Lake Municipal Code Ch. 5.30 Commercial Filming

It is the policy of the City to encourage the production of motion pictures and television within its boundaries. This Chapter provides the basis for the rules and regulations governing the issuance of permits for filming, videotaping or related activity within the incorporated area of the City and upon City property. This Chapter is intended to ensure that filming/ videotaping is done consistent with public health and safety and the protection of property.

(Ord. 261, passed 9-23-2025)

Unless otherwise specifically provided or the context, certain terms or expressions used in this chapter have the following meanings:

(a) "Charitable institution" means a nonprofit organization, which qualifies under section 50l(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code or Revenue and Taxation Code Section 23701 as a charitable organization. Where an organization as those set forth in this definition is involved in film making/videotaping, no person, directly or indirectly, shall receive a profit from the marketing or production or showing of the films, tapes or photos.

(b) "Film permit rider” means a minor addition, change or deletion to the permit, as determined by the issuing authority.

(c) "Issuing authority" means the City Council or its authorized representative who is designated to administer the provisions of this Chapter.

(d) "News" means regularly scheduled news programs, not including magazine or documentary programs, and special news programs which are not preplanned and are broadcast within 24 hours after the event.

(e) "News media" means any individual who, based on objective and readily identifiable characteristics, is actively engaged in gathering, preparing, or disseminating news or information for public dissemination. Media personnel may include, but are not limited to, individuals affiliated with recognized news organizations, freelance journalists, independent reporters, documentary film makers, photographers, and videographers.

(f) "Strike and preparation days."

(1) The term "strike and preparation days" means activities required to make superficial alterations as specified in the script prior to movie on-location filming and following filming, to restore such location to its original condition. Such alterations may include placement of temporary architectural features, alterations in landscaping, changes in furniture or other decorative elements, placement of temporary lighting equipment and similar activities.

(2) The term "strike and preparation days" does not include time periods when cameras and actors are present and/or filming is occurring, nor activities requiring more than ten persons or two trucks having a rated capacity exceeding five tons.

(Ord. 261, passed 9-23-2025)

Applications for a filming permit shall be submitted on a form provided by the City and shall include all information reasonably necessary to evaluate the request. The City Manager or designee may require applicants to provide details regarding the filming schedule, location, number of personnel, vehicles and equipment to be used, intended impact on public or private property, and any other information necessary to assess potential impacts. Incomplete applications may be denied. The City Manager or his or her designee may adopt administrative guidelines to further specify submittal requirements.

(Ord. 261, passed 9-23-2025)

No person shall use City-owned or City-controlled property, any place open to the public, any private property open to the public, or any private common area, private street, park, lake, trail, or other facility within a common interest development or property owners association located within the City that is open for use by the association's members, residents, invitees, or accompanied guests (whether or not open to the general public), for the purpose of conducting commercial motion picture, television, or still photography, without first applying for and receiving a permit from the City.

(Ord. 261, passed 9-23-2025)

(a) Films produced by charitable institutions, as described in Section 5.30.020, shall be exempt from any permit fees hereafter established.

(b) News media, as described in Section 5.30.020, shall be exempt from the permit application and any permit fees hereafter established.

(c) A student who has submitted a letter written on school letterhead by a school administrator or instructor stating that the applicant is currently enrolled in a recognized U.S. institution and that the film is not a commercial release, shall have permit fees waived as required by this chapter.

(d) Permit fees shall be waived for public access and local organization programs by cable television programs franchised within the city.

(e) Real estate marketing. Filming conducted solely for the purpose of marketing or documenting the sale or lease of a specific parcel of real property by a California-licensed real estate broker or salesperson. or by a vendor engaged by such licensee, shall be exempt from the permit application and any permit fees hereafter established.

(f) De minimis small-scale filming. The permit application requirement and any permit fees established by this Chapter shall not apply to commercial motion picture, television, or still photography that is small-scale and non-disruptive, provided that any filming on private property, including any private common area, private street, park, lake, trail, or other facility within a property owners association or common interest development, the activity occurs only with the written consent of the property owner or controlling association and in compliance with their rules, and proof of such consent is produced upon request.

(Ord. 261, passed 9-23-2025)

The City Manager or his or her designee may approve temporary usage of property owned by or held under the control of the city, by issuance of a filming permit, provided:

(a) Such issuance will not result in a frequency of usage likely to create incompatibility between such temporary use and the surrounding area;

(b) Such issuance does not interfere with performance of the intended governmental function of the site in question;

(c) Movie on-location filming does not exceed ten consecutive days. Computation of such time period shall include strike and preparation time.

(Ord. 261, passed 9-23-2025)

As a condition of approval to issuance of a permit, a certificate of insurance will be required to include, but not be limited to, $1,000,000, naming the city as a co-insured for protection against claims of third-party personal injuries, wrongful deaths and property damage. Where aircraft is used in any production. either fixed wing or rotary, the limit shall be no less than $5,000,000 per occurrence. City officers, agents and employees shall be named as additional insureds and a certificate of insurance shall not be subject to cancellation or modification without 30 days' written notice to city.

(a) An applicant shall conform to all applicable federal and state requirements for Workers. Compensation Insurance as to all persons operating under a permit.

(b) To ensure cleanup and restoration of the site. an applicant may be required to post a faithful performance bond as a condition to approval of an application.

(Ord. 261, passed 9-23-2025)

The City Manager or designee is authorized to administer and enforce this Chapter, and shall:

(a) Coordinate with City departments as necessary to process and issue all filming permits, including any required facility use or regulatory approvals;

(b) Approve and collect applicable fees, and ensure appropriate reimbursement to City for services, rental charges, or costs incurred in connection with filming activities;

(c) Investigate and assist in resolving minor complaints or disputes related to filming;

(d) Provide technical assistance and guidance to permit applicants and interested parties regarding filming regulations and procedures;

(e) Periodically review and recommend updates to fees, policies, and procedures to improve efficiency, support industry development, and ensure full cost recovery; and

(f) Perform any other duties necessary to implement this Chapter or as directed by the City Council.

(Ord. 261, passed 9-23-2025)

Under the guidelines of Government Code Section 14999.30 et seq., Uniform Film Permit Act, the issuing authority is authorized and directed to promulgate rules and regulations, subject to approval by resolution of the City Council, governing issuance of city filming permits. Included within such rules and regulations will be a schedule of fees covering the actual permitting process, as well as, charges for personnel and property usage.

(Ord. 261, passed 9-23-2025)

Issuance of a permit by the City pursuant to this Chapter does not authorize entry upon or use of private property or property controlled by a property owners association without the express consent of the property owner or association. Filming activities within areas subject to private property or property owners association restrictions shall also be subject to any separate approval or permitting requirements of the respective property owners association. It shall be the responsibility of the applicant to obtain all necessary approvals from non-City entities.

(Ord. 261, passed 9-23-2025)

If an applicant violates any provision of this Chapter or a permit issued pursuant thereto, the city may revoke the permit. Nothing in this Section limits the City's authority to pursue any other remedy available under this Code or applicable law.

(Ord. 261, passed 9-23-2025)