Film Permits

A FilmLA Film Permit is required for filming any “commercial projects” (film, digital or stills) on any Location anywhere in Palmdale using private property (a privately-ownedhome, ranch, business, or vacant lands); or any filming that involves the use of any City streets / sidewalks (public right-of-way areas) or upon any City-owned properties (including City parks or City-owned buildings), within the defined boundaries of the City of Palmdale. This is an LA County requirement and also applies to the City of Lancaster and any “unincorporated areas” within the Greater Antelope Valley. (Quartz Hill, Littlerock, Pearblossum, Acton, etc.)

Commercial filming projects are considered as, but not limited to: feature films (studio and “indie” productions), TV commercials (including web ads), streaming & reality TV shows,stillphoto shoots (catalogues, product ads, fashion & editorial), music videos, documentaries, shorts, “demo reels” and industrial/corporate projects.

Personal photography such as, but not limited to, wedding portraits, family, anniversary, school sports events andprivatep portraits do not require a film permit.

FilmLA is the official non-profit film permit office for Palmdale, the City of Los Angeles, and the greater LA County area. They provide a streamlined one-stop source for all film permits issued for Palmdale, as well as all productions taking place anywhere within LA and Los Angeles County. 

Student Film Permits

Students who are currently enrolled in an accredited university or certified film class at a community college, a student film permit is available and required (at a greatly reduced cost). FilmLA offers this service to help educate film students in the process and details involved in the film permit & location process. Student Film Permit.

ITC (Intermittent Traffic Control) and Full Road Closures:

If your Production needs to arrange for ITC, or a Full Road Closure, you will need to apply with Film  LA to coordinate with the LA County Sheriff’s Dept or the CHP (California Highway Patrol) in order to arrange for officers to be available on the day(s) needed.

Getting ITC or a Full Road Closure in Palmdale

NOTE: Prior to making such arrangements with your Permit Coordinator, pleaseconfirm with the Palmdale Film Liaison that streets roads are available; and that no road repairs or maintenance have been scheduled for that specific date.

Full Road Closure require a TCP (Traffic Control Plan) is submitted to the City of Palmdale’s Traffic Engineering division by a licensed and registered Traffic Engineer at least 48 hours prior to your shoot day.

Top 

Basecamp Basics

Palmdale is well known for its extremely “Film Friendly” reputation to Productions and Film Crews no matter what size; and like all other municipalities and communities here in LA County, we follow and adhere to FilmLA’s basic rules & regulations regarding the placement of your Basecamp and Crew Parking. As elsewhere… Respect, courtesy and consideration for neighbors is essential.

Unless there’s a specific exemption in your FilmLA Permit, Basecamps and Crew Parking are usually not allowed on City streets (residential or commercial area), or even “parked on the side of the road” in remote desert areas. The most likely exemption to this rule will be to allow “Essential Production Vehicles” (i.e., the Camera Cube, G&E, a Production MoHo and a Honeywagon) to be close to Set.

But your Basecamp and Crew Parking will almost always need to be on Private Property.

As in Filming anywhere in the TMZ or Greater LA area, if Production is Filming any distance away (out of eyesight) of your Basecamp or Crew Parking, it’s advisable to hire a Private Security Company to keep an eye on things to keep any unwanted visitors away.

Last but not least, a copy of your Film Permit must always be available for any Law Enforcement Officer, Fire Department Officer (FSO; FSA), Park Ranger or City Official to see at any time.

Top 

Filming Policies

Filming at City of Palmdale Facilities

City allows filming at city-owned locations and facilities . Please contact David Halver, Film Liaison,  to arrange rental of the location and check availability for your next film project.

Contact Film Liasion