Twentynine Palms Municipal Code Ch. 19.35 Film Permits

The purpose of this Chapter is to establish standards for filming, videotaping, motion picture, still photography, and the use of drones for filming activity for commercial purposes and to ensure that the overall health, safety and general welfare of the community is maintained and to establish permit and processing requirements of these activities and uses.

(Ord. No. 305, § 4(Exh. A), 6-27-2023)

Except as otherwise exempt by this Chapter, a Film Permit is required for each individual, agency, organization, institution or business wishing to conduct any filming, videotaping, motion picture and still photography, and the use of drones for filming activity or use within City limits.

(Ord. No. 305, § 4(Exh. A), 6-27-2023)

The provisions of this Chapter shall not apply to the following:

A. News media, for the purpose of television news broadcast by reporters, photographers or cameramen.

B. Filming activities conducted for use in a criminal investigation, civil proceedings and emergencies, such as fire, flood, police actions, etc.

C. Film crews of less than five people, limited to the use of two passenger vehicles,

D. Filming activities that are conducted completely inside a structure not visible from the public, and limited to two passenger vehicles,

E. Filming with a cell phone or handheld camera for personal use or online platform, limited to five participants and two passenger vehicles.

F. Filming personal events such as a wedding, birthday party, etc.

(Ord. No. 305, § 4(Exh. A), 6-27-2023)

A. Application Filing and Processing. Applications for a Film Permit shall be filed and processed in accordance with Chapter 19.28 (Approval Requirements and Common Procedures).

B. Application Fees. Application fees shall be collected in accordance with Section 19.28.050 (Applications and Fees).

C. Filming activities less than or equal to seven days in duration will require that the application shall be filed no less than ten working days prior to the proposed filming activity. The applicant is required to provide proof of noticing as directed by the City and will require a Minor Film Permit.

D. Filming activities greater than seven days in duration will require that the application shall be filed no less than ten (30) working days prior to the proposed filming activity and will require a Major Film Permit.

(Ord. No. 305, § 4(Exh. A), 6-27-2023)

Film Permits shall be approved by the Community Development Director or his/her designee. The designated approving authority is authorized to approve, conditionally approve, modify or deny a Film Permit application.

(Ord. No. 305, § 4(Exh. A), 6-27-2023)

In approving an application for a Film Permit, the approving authority 'may impose reasonable and appropriate conditions in order to achieve the purposes of this Code, ensure consistency with the goals and policies of the General Plan. Conditions may include, but shall not be limited to:

A. Restrictions on hours of filming activity .

B. Requirements concerning notice to affected property owners of the filming activity.

C. Requirements concerning posting of no parking signs and placement of other traffic control devices.

D. Requirements for the presence of County Sheriff, County Fire Dept., or City Public Works employees when required, at the applicant's expense.

E. Restrictions on the use of gunfire, pyrotechnics, explosions, and/or other noise-creating or hazardous devices.

F. Restrictions on construction of new structures (i.e. stages), including the requirements of utility connections thereto.

G. Restrictions on the use of lighting equipment, especially at night.

H. Special noticing requirements if the filming activities emulate law enforcement, military, or weaponry.

I. Restrictions of activities within certain areas of the City, or nearby sensitive areas.

J. Restrictions on the use of drones for the purpose of filming.

K. Filming permit activity may not exceed a total of 90 days at one location in one calendar year.

(Ord. No. 305, § 4(Exh. A), 6-27-2023)

A. Any proposed filming activity that may be conducted in the public right of way or may impact traffic circulation shall require the submittal of Encroachment Permit to the Engineering Division.

B. The use of, or emulation of, any type of weaponry shall require written approval from the San Bernardino County Sheriffs office.

C. The use of, or emulation of, any type of explosives, fires, or pyrotechnics shall require written approval from the San Bernardino County Fire Department.

(Ord. No. 305, § 4(Exh. A), 6-27-2023)

Written notice of decision shall be provided within five business days of the date of decision to the applicant and interested parties having requested notices in writing. The notice shall include:

A. The application request as acted upon by the Director.

B. The action taken by the Director.

C. The deadlines, criteria and fees for filing an appeal.

(Ord. No. 305, § 4(Exh. A), 6-27-2023)

Film Permits are valid only for the dates specified in the application and shall expire on the last date listed.

(Ord. No. 305, § 4(Exh. A), 6-27-2023)

Extension of time may be permitted, provided that no violations of the Conditions of Approval have occurred as a part of the filming activity.

(Ord. No. 305, § 4(Exh. A), 6-27-2023)

Amendments to an approved Film Permit shall be processed as a new application.

(Ord. No. 305, § 4(Exh. A), 6-27-2023)