County Property Film Permits

What is this service?

Real Property Services (RPS) issues permits for filming television commercials, feature films, and still photos of and on County-owned or County-maintained roads, parks, real property, and facilities. 

We work together with the San Luis Obispo County Film Commission, which provides information and services for production and scouting needs, as well as a list of contacts in surrounding cities and state-owned properties.

Recent Productions in San Luis Obispo County:

Who can use this service?

Anyone can use this service.

Is there a charge for this service?

There is a $200.00 non-refundable application fee and, in addition, a $400.00 Film Permit fee for up to seven (7) consecutive days of filming. Additional fees may apply on a case-by-case basis for impacts to County Parks or other County departments or facilities, excess County staff hours, or an extended permit term.

What is the process?

Step 1: Complete & Return Application

Complete the one-page "San Luis Obispo County Film Permit Application" and return it to RPS for processing, along with a $200.00 non-refundable application fee payable by check (to County of San Luis Obispo) or credit card (MasterCard, Visa or Discover).

 

Step 2: Submit Film Permit Fee

Once the location is approved, submit the $400.00 Film Permit fee. This fee is non-refundable whether filming occurs or not.

Step 3: Obtain Insurance

Obtain a Certificate of Insurance and submit to the County prior to permit date. These are the insurance requirements.

Step 4: Other Requirements

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 note the following:

  • Huasna Road near Arroyo Grande has Special Noticing Requirements. 
  • Filming is not permitted on the following roads: Santa Rosa Creek Road (Templeton area); Orcutt Road (outside San Luis Obispo city limits); and Avila Beach Drive (Avila Beach).

When and where is this service offered?

This service is available throughout the year during regular business hours except during scheduled holidays.

Location, directions and hours of operation

Click on location name to show hours of operation, directions and phone information

▾
SLO Central Services Building

Monday - Friday 8-5

1087 Santa Rosa Street San Luis Obispo, CA 93408

Tel: (805) 781-5200

Fax: (805) 781-1102

Frequently Asked Questions

▾
How much time is needed to process an application?
We prefer a ten (10) day notice in order to process applications, but may be able to accommodate requests with shorter notice periods.
▾
When do I need a County film permit?
A County Film Permit is required when filming in an unincorporated area in the County of San Luis Obispo. Please direct questions to Kurry Wannagat, Associate Real Property Agent in Real Property Services, at (805) 781-5563 or [email protected].
▾
Does the County keep a list of film locations?

Real Property Services does not maintain a list of film locations within the County; however, the SLO County Film Commission can provide location suggestions and maintains a location photo library. Please contact Kylee Jepsen (Senior Communications Coordinator & Film Commission Liason) at [email protected] or (805) 541-8000. 

▾
What County Codes regulate filming?
Title 2 - Administration and Personnel of the County Code of San Luis Obispo County, California, sets forth film permit requirements, as follows: 
▾
Are there special requirements for drones (Unmanned Aircraft Systems)?
Yes, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulates the commercial operation of small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (sUAS), or drones, in the National Airspace. For further information on filming with drones, please visit the California Film Commission website.