Sonoma Municipal Code Ch. 7.40 Permits for Commercial Photography, Filming, and Recording

This chapter shall be known and may be cited as the Sonoma film permit ordinance. (Ord. 09-2025 § 1 (Exh. A), 2025).

It is the purpose of this chapter to provide for rules governing the issuance of permits for filming activities on location within the city. The intent of this chapter is to ensure that motion picture, television, commercial, and nontheatrical filming companies will be encouraged to use locations for filming activities within the city so long as those activities are consistent with the public health and safety and the protection of property. (Ord. 09-2025 § 1 (Exh. A), 2025).

“Charitable films” shall mean commercials, motion pictures, television, digital media or still photography produced by a nonprofit organization, which qualifies under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code as a charitable organization. No person, directly or indirectly, shall receive a profit from the marketing and production of the film or from showing the films, tapes, or photos.

“City manager” shall mean the city manager of the city of Sonoma or his/her designee.

“City produced or city sponsored government or educational access productions” shall mean motion picture, television, or still photography produced by or in association with the city.

“Family videos” shall mean the filming or videotaping of motion pictures or taking of still photographs solely for private use.

“Film permit” shall mean written authorization from the city manager to conduct the filming activity described in the permit.

“Motion picture, television, still photography” shall mean and include all activity attendant to staging or shooting commercial motion pictures, television shows or programs, commercials, digital media, still photography in any medium including film, tape or digital format.

“News media” shall mean the photographing, filming or videotaping for the purpose of spontaneous, unplanned television news broadcasts (“breaking news”) or reporting for print media by reporters, photographers or camerapersons.

“Student films” shall mean motion picture, television, or still photography produced to satisfy a course or curriculum requirement at an educational institution. The student must supply proof that he/she is currently enrolled in an educational institution.

“Studio productions” shall mean a fixed place of business certified as such by a local fire authority having jurisdiction where filming activities (motion or still photography) are regularly conducted upon the premises. (Ord. 09-2025 § 1 (Exh. A), 2025).

No person shall use any public or private property, facility or residence for the purpose of taking motion pictures, television, digital media or commercial still photography without first applying for and receiving a permit from the city manager or designee. No such permit shall be issued until the permit applicant has paid the application fee and the use and service charge required in connection therewith, and until the permit applicant has furnished proof of insurance with coverage as required by the city. (Ord. 09-2025 § 1 (Exh. A), 2025).

This chapter shall not apply to the following:

A. News media.

B. Family videos.

C. Studio productions.

D. City produced or city sponsored government or educational access productions. (Ord. 09-2025 § 1 (Exh. A), 2025).

Any person requesting a permit under the provisions of this chapter shall complete an application provided by the city manager, or designee. The form must be signed and accompanied by all applicable fees, deposits, indemnification agreement, and insurance certificate required before the permit will be processed. City council will establish by resolution an administrative policy to regulate the application, permitting, conditions, and operating requirements of film permit operations in the city. (Ord. 09-2025 § 1 (Exh. A), 2025).

A permit application processing fee in an amount established by city council resolution shall be paid by the applicant at the time the application is filed. The city council may adopt discounted fees for charitable and student films due to their noncommercial nature. (Ord. 09-2025 § 1 (Exh. A), 2025).

A. A city film permit may be revoked in writing by the city manager for the following reasons:

1. Misrepresentation of production parameters or special effects on the permit application.

2. Any violations of the Sonoma Municipal Code, state or federal law, and/or this section.

3. Any violation of the conditions imposed on the city film permit.

B. The police and fire departments are authorized to suspend the following film or photography activity:

1. Unpermitted film or photography activity.

2. Permitted film or photography activity that violates federal, state, or local law, including the Sonoma Municipal Code.

3. Permitted film or photography activity that interferes with the provision of emergency services or city business.

C. If either the police or fire departments suspend film or photography activity, such suspension shall be reported to the city manager who may revoke the permittee’s city film permit under this section. (Ord. 09-2025 § 1 (Exh. A), 2025).

The permit applicant may appeal a permit denial, permit condition, or permit revocation or refusal to waive a deadline under this chapter by filing an appeal of the city manager’s decision with the city clerk. All appeals shall follow the procedures as established in Chapter 1.24 SMC. (Ord. 09-2025 § 1 (Exh. A), 2025).

The violation of any provision of this chapter shall be an infraction which shall be punished pursuant to Chapter 1.12 SMC. Such violations may also be addressed in a civil action, through a restraining order, a preliminary or permanent injunction, or by any other means available by law. (Ord. 09-2025 § 1 (Exh. A), 2025).