Thank you for for your interest in the Film Permit procedure for County owned and managed property, including County maintained roads.  The Central Services Department, Real Property Services Division of the County will make every effort to assist and coordinate the film permit process with you.  We require a minimum ten (10) business days’ notice in order to process your application.

At a minimum, the following is needed to process your Film Permit, evaluate your request for approval or denial, and to obtain approval or denial by other County Departments, including additional impact or facility fees as may be required.

CLICK HERE to fill out the online SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY FILM PERMIT APPLICATION

Email your site map to [email protected] and indicate any roads and marked start and stop locations for filming.

Once both items are completed, call County Real Property Services Division at (805) 781-5563 to pay the $200 non-refundable application fee:

• Payment may be made by check (payable to County of San Luis Obispo) or credit card (MasterCard, Visa, or Discover)

Applications will not be processed until the non-refundable application fee has been paid in full.

Once the location for filming has been identified and approved, the non-refundable Film Permit fee (separate from the application fee) is due in full, whether filming occurs or not.

• A $400.00 Film Permit fee may be applied for filming up to seven (7) consecutive days, in addition to the $200.00 non-refundable permit application processing fee.
• Additional fees may apply for impacts to County Parks or other County Departments or facilities, excess County staff hours, or an extended permit term, on a case by case basis.

Certificate of Insurance naming the County of San Luis Obispo, its officers and employees as additional insured with $2 million limits along with Workers’ Compensation coverage. Certificate of Insurance must be received prior to permit date for permit to be effective. These are the insurance requirements to provide to your insurance agent.

RPS coordinates with the County Public Works Department for any filming taking place on County roads or in the County right-of-way. A no-fee encroachment permit issued by Public Works will serve as an exhibit to the Film Permit. If you have any questions regarding Public Works' policies, please call (805) 781-5252.

Please review the County Road Closures and Delays Map, managed by Public Works, before selecting your filming location. 

Please note:

• Huasna Road (near Arroyo Grande, South County) has Special Noticing Requirements as a courtsey to residents
• Beach communities and specific Wine Country Roadways (unincorporated areas) will not be permitted on weekends or holidays
• Filming is not permitted on the following roads:
  • Santa Rosa Creek in the Templeton area
  • Orcutt Road in San Luis Obispo (outside City limits)
  • Avila Beach Drive in Avila Beach