Inyo County Municipal Code Ch. 5.41 Commercial Film Permit

The purpose of this chapter is to establish a commercial filming permitting system and a basis for the rules and regulations governing the issuance of permits for filming, taping or related activity on property owned or controlled by the County. This chapter is intended to ensure that filming/taping is done consistent with public health and safety and the protection of property.

(Ord. 1315, 12/17/2024)

Applicable terms and definitions shall be contained in the Film Production Guide which shall be made available to the applicant along with the permit application. Both the Film Production Guide and the permit application will be developed by the County of Inyo and made available through the Inyo County Film Commission and Inyo County Public Works.

(Ord. 1315, 12/17/2024)

Government Code Section 65850.1 authorizes the County to regulate commercial filming on property within the County. Government Code Section 66014 authorizes the County to charge fees for permits, and Government Code Section 23004 empowers the County to manage County-owned property in the best interest of County residents.

(Ord. 1315, 12/17/2024)

The Inyo County Administration Department shall be the designated County Department responsible for the processing of film permit applications and decisions associated with film permits issued pursuant to this chapter.

(Ord. 1315, 12/17/2024)

A. No person shall use any property, facility or residence that is owned or controlled by the County for the purpose of taking motion pictures, television, digital media or commercial still photography without first applying for and receiving a permit from Inyo County.

B. Permits shall be applied for and issued on a form developed by the County of Inyo.

C. The permit shall set forth the County's rules and regulations regarding public property use, hours of permitted filming activity, and requirements for security deposits, if any, and other County conditions and restrictions.

(Ord. 1315, 12/17/2024)

The provisions of this chapter shall not apply to or affect:

A. Reporters, photographers, or camerapersons in the employ of a newspaper, news service, or similar entity engaged in on-the-spot print media, publishing or broadcasting, of news events concerning those persons, scenes or occurrences which are in the news and of general public interest.

B. The recording of visual images (motion or still photography) solely for private personal use, and not for commercial use.

(Ord. 1315, 12/17/2024)

Any fees for permits required by Section 5.41.050 shall be set by resolution of the Inyo County Board of Supervisors.

(Ord. 1315, 12/17/2024)

If any film permit applicant or film permit holder violates the provisions of this chapter, of any rules or regulations contained within the permit application or permit issued pursuant thereto, or any other applicable law or regulation, the County may cancel the permit, and the applicant shall be subject to daily fines for each day that the violation is maintained. The daily fine shall be in the amount paid to the County for the issuance of the permit. Violation of the terms and conditions of the film permit is considered a misdemeanor.

(Ord. 1315, 12/17/2024)

If any section, subsection, sentence, clause, or phrase of this chapter is for any reason held to be invalid or unconstitutional by a decision of any court of competent jurisdiction, such decision shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions of this chapter. The board hereby declares that it would have passed this chapter and each and every section, subsection, sentence, clause, or phrase not declared invalid or unconstitutional without regard to whether any portion of this chapter would be subsequently declared invalid or unconstitutional.

(Ord. 1315, 12/17/2024)