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Chapter 3. Uniform Film Permit of California Government Code >> Division 3. >> Title 2. >> Part 5.7. >> Chapter 3.

The California Film Commission shall, with input from the motion picture industry and local and state government, develop and adopt a "model process for granting film permits." The process shall contain but not be limited to the following provisions:
  (a) A designated person to deal with industry whose responsibilities shall include but not be limited to:
  (1) The attraction of motion picture production to the jurisdiction.
  (2) Assistance in expediting to the greatest extent possible the issuances of all use permits necessary for motion picture production.
  (b) Maximum time requirements to grant permits.
  (c) Permits shall be valid for the period of time necessary to film a specific shot or sequence of shots. Minor additions, corrections or alterations to a permit shall be made available by way of application for a "rider." Significant changes to the original permit shall require a new permit application.
  (d) Coordinating of multijurisdictional filming.
  (e) A suggested fee schedule for motion picture permits which is reasonably related to the cost of providing services occasioned by motion picture production, including administrative, police, fire, sanitation, and other necessary services.
  (f) A uniform permit application-permit form. If the California Film Commission has not adopted a model process for granting film permits by July 1, 1989, the existing "model film ordinance" and the uniform film permit application form drafted by the California Film Commission staff shall be used for the purposes of this chapter until the time as a model process is adopted.
(a) The California Film Commission shall send to each city and county a copy of the model process for granting film permits for local consideration. Not later than December 31, 1989, each jurisdiction shall adopt this process or inform the California Film Commission in writing as to why they cannot or need not adopt this model process.
  (b) At least 30 days prior to the adoption of or an amendment to the written filming policy of a local government, the local government shall submit a draft of the ordinance or amendment to the Director of the Film Office. The Film Office shall review drafts submitted to it and report its findings to the local government within five working days of receipt of the draft. The local legislative body shall consider the Film Office's findings prior to final adoption of the ordinance or amendment unless the commission's findings are not available within the above prescribed time limits. Any and all findings made by the commission pursuant to this section shall be advisory to local government.
  (c) Each local government shall provide the commission with a copy of its adopted filming ordinance or amendments.
This chapter shall be known and may be cited as the Uniform Film Permit Act.
The Film Office and its director shall encourage the use of the uniform application form described in Section 14999.32 for obtaining a local permit to engage in film production within the jurisdiction of a county, city, or city and county. As used in this chapter "film" includes, but is not limited to, feature motion pictures, video recordings, television motion pictures, commercials, and stills. "Production" means the activity of making a film for commercial or noncommercial purposes on property owned by a county, city, or city and county, or on private property within the jurisdiction of a county, city, or city and county.
The uniform film permit application form shall include all of the following provisions:
  (a) The name, address, and telephone number of the applicant or duly authorized representative, and, if available, of the director, first assistant director, unit production manager, or location manager.
  (b) The name and address of the individual or production company to whom the permit is to be issued.
  (c) The type of the production or project.
  (d) The date(s), time(s), and location(s) (including preparation and striking days).
  (e) A brief description of the proposed filming activity, including any other activity which would affect the use of public facilities in the area.
  (f) An estimate of the number of individuals in cast and crew.
  (g) An estimate of the types and number of vehicles.
  (h) If an applicant intends to use either wild animals, chemicals, explosives or fire, or intends to engage in any other hazardous activity, a statement to that effect.
  (i) Any additional information the county, city, or city and county deems necessary.
(a) If a county, city, or city and county requires a film permit, it is encouraged to use the uniform film permit application form when processing film permit applications. Those jurisdictions participating in the regional permit pilot project pursuant to Section 14998.15 are also encouraged to work within the provisions of this chapter.
  (b) A completed uniform film permit application which has been approved by the county, city, or city and county shall constitute the local film permit.
This chapter shall apply to any city, including any charter city.
No fee which is greater than the actual cost incurred shall be charged by any county, city, city and county, or special district for film production which occurs entirely on private property.
A city or county may adopt an ordinance or other regulation governing the issuance of permits to engage in the use of property for occasional commercial filming, on location, pursuant to Section 65302.9.
(a) A local or state public official involved in the granting of a film permit may not require directly or indirectly a charitable donation or any other consideration in exchange for granting, or supporting the granting of, a film permit.
  (b) Nothing in this section shall be construed to limit the authority of a local agency to assess impact fees as part of the film permitting process.
  (c) A local or state public official who fails to comply with subdivision (a) shall be subject to a civil penalty of not less than one thousand dollars ($1,000) and not to exceed five thousand dollars ($5,000).
  (d) The local district attorney, city attorney, or the Attorney General may bring an action pursuant to this section to collect the penalty imposed pursuant to subdivision (b).