Riverside Municipal Code Ch. 5.70 Film Permits

It is the policy of the City of Riverside 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, video taping or related activity within the City of Riverside. This chapter is intended to ensure that filming/video taping is done consistent with public health and safety and the protection of property.

(Ord. 5765 § 1, 1989)

Unless otherwise specifically provided or required by the context, certain terms or expressions used herein have meanings as set forth below:

Charitable institution as used in this chapter, "charitable institution" means a nonprofit organization, which qualifies under Section 501(c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code or Section 23701 of the California Revenue and Taxation Code as a charitable organization.

Film permit rider as used in this chapter, "film permit rider" means a minor addition, change or deletion to the permit, as determined by the issuing authority.

Issuing authority as used in this chapter, "issuing authority" means the City Manager or his/her designee as designated by the City Council as its authorized representative to administer the provisions of this chapter.

News as used in this chapter, "news" means regularly scheduled news programs (not including magazine or documentary programs) and special new programs which are not pre-planned and are broadcast within 24 hours after the event.

Strike and preparation days as used in this chapter, "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.

(Ord. 7757, § 128, 2026; Ord. 5765 § 1, 1989)

No person shall use any public or private property, facility or residence within the City of Riverside for the purpose of taking commercial motion pictures or television pictures or commercial still photography without first applying for and receiving a permit from the issuing authority.

(Ord. 5765 § 1, 1989)

A. Films produced by charitable institutions as described in Section 5.70.020 of this chapter and news media as described in Section 5.70.020 of this chapter shall be exempt from any permit requirements hereafter established by resolution.

B. The filming or video taping of motion pictures solely for private-family use and similar non-commercial uses.

C. Still photography that does not impede public right-of-way or utilize public property.

D. 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 United States institution and that the film is not a commercial release, shall have permit fees waived as required by this chapter.

E. Permit fees shall be waived for public access and local origination programs by cable television franchised within the City of Riverside.

F. If film permit or facilities fees are charged, a business tax certificate will not be required.

(Ord. 5765 § 1, 1989)

A. Issuing authority. The issuing authority shall be the City designee.

B. Applications. The following information shall be included in the application:

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

2. The specific location at such address or place;

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

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

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

6. The exact number of personnel to be involved;

7. Use of any animals or pyrotechnics; and

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

C. Reimbursement for personnel and equipment. The production company shall reimburse the City for any personnel, equipment, materials and associated costs provided to the company (i.e. police, fire) for the purpose of assisting the production.

(Ord. 5765 § 1, 1989)

The issuing authority 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.

(Ord. 5765 § 1, 1989)

A. Liability insurance. A certificate of insurance will be required in an amount not less than $1,000,000.00 naming the City as a coinsured for protection against claims of third persons for personal injuries, wrongful deaths, and property damage before a permit is issued. City officers and employees shall be named as additional insureds. The certificate shall not be subject to cancellation or modification until after 30 days written notice to the City. A copy of the certificate will remain on file.

B. Worker's Compensation Insurance. An applicant shall conform to all applicable federal and State requirements for Worker's Compensation Insurance for all persons operating under a permit.

C. Indemnification agreement. An applicant shall execute an indemnification agreement as provided by the City prior to the issuance of a permit under this chapter.

D. Faithful performance bond. To ensure cleanup and restoration of the site, an applicant may be required to post a refundable faithful performance bond (amount to be determined) at the time application is submitted. Upon completion of filming and inspection of the site by the City, the bond may be returned to the applicant.

(Ord. 5765 § 1, 1989)

A. Change of date. Upon the request of the applicant, the issuing authority shall have the power, upon a showing of good cause, to change the date from which the permit has been issued provided established limitations are complied with in respect to time and location.

B. Rules. The designated City officer is hereby authorized and directed to promulgate rules and regulations, subject to approval by resolution of the City Council, governing the establishment of fees and the issuance of permits.

(Ord. 5765 § 1, 1989)

If an applicant violates any provision of this chapter or a permit issued pursuant thereto, the City may cancel the permit.

(Ord. 5765 § 1, 1989)