Film Permits

1A film/photography permit is required for any commercial motion picture or still photography shoots on public and private property in Rancho Palos Verdes.  

The film/photography permit request process begins with submitting an application and required documents to the City of Rancho Palos Verdes, at film@rpvca.gov .  

The application will be reviewed to determine what permits may be required for City-wide location shooting.  

*exception of a film/photography permit if reporting on current news and events by the news media. 

Filming on Private property: Staff will need 3-4 business days prior for processing 

Filming on Public/City Property: Staff will need 3 weeks (business days) prior for processing


How to obtain a film permit with the City of Rancho Palos Verdes?3


Fill out the Film Permit Application, Incomplete applications will not be approved.

Submit completed application to film@rpvca.gov for review. 

Once the application has been approved by Staff, applicant must provide the following from the list below. Please email the required documents to film@rpvca.gov :

Film Permit ReceiptApplicant will be sent an invoice. Fees may be paid online: RPVCA Pay Now (billeriq.com) Below is a schedule of fees. 
RPV Business License CertificateAn active business license is required. Click here for more info.
Fire Department Approval Permit Contact the Los Angeles County Fire Department's public safety and Film unit at (818) 364-8240 or  psfu@fire.lacounty.gov 
Insurance Certificate and Additional insured

In consideration of granting permission to film in the City of Rancho Palos Verdes, Insurance Certificate requirements for the City of Rancho Palos Verdes film permit:

  •  Verify that expiration date covers date(s) of filming activity
  •  $1 million minimum coverage required
  •  City of Rancho Palos Verdes must be listed as additional insured


Documents that might be required based on filming activity and location:


Requirements for the use of Drones and Helicopters for filming

Neighbor notification letter (might be required if filming on private property)

Encroachment permits (if filming on public streets or for parking)

Additional information and helpful links


Filming Locations in RPV

Alternate Route Map (Trucks with more than 2-Axles  are prohibited on certain areas of PV Drive South due to the landslide)

Student Filming Requirements and Information

City Hall Overflow Parking Lot Application (email film@rpvca.gov for availability)

City Hall Production Parking Map

RPV Business License Application (for businesses outside the City)

fees for fy 25 26

*Extended hours fee of $182 per hour will be charged to applicant if any activity occurs outside the regular filming hours of 7am to 7pm, Monday through Saturday. If there is any activity occurring on Sundays, applicant will also be charged the extended hour fee of $182/per hour, no matter which time the activity takes place.