Film Permits
Film/Photography OverviewThe historic City of San Buenaventura (“Ventura”), incorporated by the California legislature in 1866, has a number of unique locations of interest for major motion picture production companies, television, commercials, still photography and student productions. Historic structures, harbors and marinas, beaches, ocean views, residential and business districts can all be found within the City of Ventura
The City of Ventura Film Permit Office coordinates all on-location productions in the City of Ventura. This coordination includes safety reviews by police, fire and public works. Specific requirements and fees will be included in a detailed agreement to be signed by the ”Permittee” prior to filming. Insurance will be required prior to approval of the permit.
Step One– Obtain A Film/Photography Permit
Application
To obtain a Film/Photography Permit Application, you
may do one of the following:
Download your applications here:
Call or visit historic Ventura City Hall
City of Ventura
501 Poli Street, room 109
Ventura, CA 93001
(805) 658-4732
(805) 648-2934 – FAX
business hours M-F, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. (excluding holidays)
Completed and signed applications can be faxed, mailed or delivered
to the City’s Film Permit Office.
Commercial and student film/photography applications, along with a $50.00 non-refundable application fee, should be submitted a minimum of 5 business days for events that do not require City staff services (traffic control, street closures, fire inspections, posting of “No Parking” signage). Applications requiring additional staff services such as police, fire, or film permit oversight should be submitted at least 7 business days prior to the film/photography event. This timeframe allows the permit staff to receive all necessary City of Ventura department approvals associated with the planning and execution of the event. Film/Photography applications requiring City services that are submitted less than the 7-business day requirement will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
Additional conditions and requirements for student film permits are outlined within the application.
Step Three – Receiving Your Permit
Once the permit staff receives the application, $50.00 non-refundable application fee, and any supplemental paperwork, the application will be forwarded to the appropriate City departments for review and adherence to applicable City ordinances and regulations. Specific requirements and any additional fees will be included in a detailed agreement to be signed by the ”Permittee” prior to the event. A Certificate of Insurance and endorsement page naming the City of Ventura as an additional insured will be required prior to the release of any Film/Photography permit.
Once approved, the “Permittee” will be contacted and asked to visit City Hall, room 109, to sign the permit, pay any outstanding fees or satisfy insurance requirements
How To Contact Us
The City of Ventura Film Permit Office staff are available Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. to answer your questions:
Mrs. Cary Glenn – (805) 658-4732 / email at cglenn@cityofventura.net
Film Ordinance
Film permits are governed by the City of Ventura’s Municipal
Code, Division 8, Chapter 8.120.