What are the office hours for permits?

Our office is open from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Thursday. Permits are issued between 8:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.

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Is there a film permit application fee?

Non-refundandable film permit fees:

1 to 2 Consecutive Days - $398.00

3 to 7 Consecutive Days - $707.00

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How long does it take to get a permit?

Three (3) business days' notice is required. If the filming is complex, it is recommended to contact the Film Permit Office 1-2 weeks prior to the scheduled filming date.

Click here for the Film Permit Request Form.

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Can I fax or e-mail in a permit request?

If you are unable to access the internet or utilize www.filmburbankca.com, please call (818) 238-3105 for alternative methods to submit a film permit request.

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Do I need a permit if I am a student?

Yes, however, the film permit fee is waived until December 31, 2019. You will need to provide us with your student ID and a letter from your school stating your name and dates of the filming. Other fees may apply depending on your film activity. 

Effective January 1, 2020 film fees will be as follows:

1 to 2 Consecutive Days - $25.00

3 to 7 Consecutive Days - $100.00

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Do I need a permit if I am a non-profit organization?

Yes, however the film permit fee is waived. You will need to provide a copy of your IRS 501c form. Other fees may apply depending on your film activity.

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If I am filming all on private property, do I need a permit?

Yes, unless you are filming within a certified sound stage.

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What kind of insurance is required in order to get a film permit?

Insurance for filming is required. The applicant/permittee must maintain in force, during the full term of the film permit insurance in the following amounts and coverages:

a.    Commercial General Liability Insurance with limits not less than $2,000,000 each occurrence Combined Single Limit for Bodily Injury and Property Damage, including coverages for Contractual Liability, Personal Injury, Independent Contractors, Broadform Property Damage, and Products Liability and Completed Operations. If a general aggregate limit applies, either the general aggregate limit shall apply separately to this project/location or the general aggregate limit shall be twice the required occurrence limit;

b.    Commercial Automobile Liability Insurance with limits not less than $1,000,000 each occurrence Combined Single Limit for Bodily Injury and Property Damage, including coverages for owned, non-owned and hired automobiles, as applicable; and

c.     Workers' Compensation Insurance in statutory amounts with Employer's Liability Coverage with limits of not less than $1,000,000 each accident.

d.    Commercial General Liability and Commercial Automobile Liability Insurance policies must provide the following: (See Attachment E, Insurance example)

 i.  Name as Additional Insured the City of Burbank, its Officers, Agents, Employees, and Volunteers on a form acceptable to City.

ii. That such policies are primary insurance to any other insurance available to the Additional Insureds, with respect to any claims arising out of the film permit, and that insurance applies separately to each insured against whom claim is made or suit is brought.

The insurance certificate and endorsement form must be reviewed and approved by the City Attorney. 

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Will a Police /Fire officer be assigned during my filming?

If your filming or parking of equipment/production vehicles are on public property, a least one Burbank Police Officer will be assigned. Additional police officers may be assigned if the filming activity warrants it.

Interior filming on private or public property usually requires a Fire Safety Officer. The permit will be reviewed by the Burbank Fire Department.

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How do I hire police/fire personnel?

The Film Permit Office will coordinate with the Police and Fire Departments in assigning officers. The rate for Police Officers is $140.00 per hour per officer with a 4-hour minimum.  The rate for the Fire Department is $108.00 per hour.  Service requests over 4 hours will include an addition of 30 minutes for pre- and post-assignment tasks (rate subject to change).

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