San Fernando Municipal Code Div. 2 Permit

It shall be unlawful for any person to use any public or private property, public right-of-way, facility or residence for the purpose of engaging in the business of producing, filming, videotaping, or photographing without a permit issued pursuant to the provisions of this chapter.

(Ord. No. 1579, § 2, 8-6-2007)

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

a. Charitable films.

b. City produced public access films.

c. Family video.

d. News reporters.

e. Student films.

f. Studios.

(Ord. No. 1579, § 2, 8-6-2007)

Any person or business desiring a permit under the provisions of this chapter shall make an application on the appropriate form provided by the city. The form must be signed and accompanied by all fees and insurance certificates required by this chapter. Applications shall be filed a minimum of 15 days prior to the date requested for the issuance of a permit.

(Ord. No. 1579, § 2, 8-6-2007)

A permit for the activities covered by this resolution will be issued by an official designated by the city to act on the permit application unless the official finds that:

(1) The applicant has made a material misrepresentation in the application; or

(2) The production, filming, videotaping, or photography will substantially disrupt the peace and quiet of any area in the city; or

(3) The production, filming, videotaping, or photography will substantially impact upon traffic within any area of the city; or

(4) The production, filming, videotaping, or photography at the proposed location will be incompatible with other uses in the vicinity; or

(5) If the application is for renewal of a permit, that the applicant has violated conditions of a previous permit, or ordinances or regulations of the city in the conduct of business or activity; or

(6) That the production, filming, videotaping, or photography fails to comply with conditions imposed on the permit; or

(7) The building, structure, premises, or the equipment used to conduct the production, filming, videotaping, or photography fails to comply with all applicable health, zoning, fire, building and safety laws of the State of California or the city.

Where one of more of these findings is negative to the applicant, a permit may be conditionally issued to the applicant where unique circumstances exist that justify issuance of the permit, provided that appropriate conditions are imposed on the permit to protect the public health, welfare, and safety.

(Ord. No. 1579, § 2, 8-6-2007)

Where the permit is denied, the applicant shall be notified in writing of the denial and the reasons therefore.

(Ord. No. 1579, § 2, 8-6-2007)

Appeals of permit denials under this article may be made pursuant to chapter 22, section 22-75 of the San Fernando Municipal Code.

(Ord. No. 1579, § 2, 8-6-2007)

Conditions may be imposed on the permit as are reasonably necessary to protect the peace and tranquility of any residential area, to mitigate traffic impacts, to protect other uses in the area, or to protect the public health, welfare and safety. Any person issued a permit pursuant to this title shall comply with all conditions imposed.

(Ord. No. 1579, § 2, 8-6-2007)

A permit issued may be revoked or suspended for any of the following reasons:

(1) A material false statement contained in the application; or

(2) Failure to comply with federal, state or local laws and regulations; or

(3) Failure to comply with any conditions imposed by the city on the issuance of the permit; or

(4) Failure to conduct production, filming, videotaping, or photography in accordance to such orders, rules and regulations as may be applicable; or

(5) Conduct of the production, filming, videotaping, or photography in a fraudulent or disorderly manner, or in a manner that endangers the public health, welfare or safety.

Violation of the terms and conditions of the film permit is considered a misdemeanor and a penalty fee may be assessed.

(Ord. No. 1597, § 2, 8-6-2007)

The permit shall designate specific dates for which it is effective.

(Ord. No. 1597, § 2, 8-6-2007)

Every person engaged in the business or activity of filming, videotaping or producing motion pictures shall pay a permit fee as required by section 22-144 of article II of chapter 22 of the San Fernando Municipal Code.

(Ord. No. 1597, § 2, 8-6-2007)

A certificate of liability insurance will be required in an amount no less than $1,000,000.00 naming the city, its officials and employees as additionally insured for protection against claims of third persons for personal injuries, wrongful deaths, and property damage and to indemnify the city for damage to city property from filming activities. The certificate shall not be subject to cancellation or modifications until after 30 days written notice to the city. The standard general liability special endorsement form mandated by the California Film Commission shall be presented. A copy of the certificate shall remain on file.

(Ord. No. 1597, § 2, 8-6-2007)