Monterey County Permits

Within its 3,771 square mile area are roads, unincorporated lands, parks and buildings under the jurisdiction of the County of Monterey.

Monterey County permits are required for filming on county roads, county buildings or in the unincorporated areas of Monterey County. Projects taking place within incorporated city limits, military areas or on private property do not require an additional permit through Monterey County. Start by contacting the Monterey County Sheriff’s Dept.

Monterey County Sheriff’s Dept. contact:

Fee: $103 Film Permit Application Fee.

Special Requirements: Clearance for filming and/or photography on County Roads must be granted and approved by both the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office and County of Monterey Housing and Community Development Department.  Use of County Roads may require an encroachment permit be issued in addition to the film permit.

Housing & Community Development contact:

  • Contact/Phone: Kayla Johnson, Engineering Aide II, Development Services, 831-755-5143
  • Email: JohnsonK@co.monterey.ca.us
  • Secondary Contact: Encroachment Staff inbox, Development Services – Engineering
  • Email: Encroachment@co.monterey.ca.us
  • Fax: 831-755-5877
  • Address: 1441 Schilling Place – South, 2nd Floor, Salinas, CA 93901

Fees:  An Encroachment Permit is required for use of County Roads and County right-of-way for filming and/or photography. The price for a permit varies depending on scope of work from $390 to $1,072.50. Other fees may apply.  This fee is in addition to the Sheriff Departments film permit fee.

County Roads can now be viewed at:  https://maps.co.monterey.ca.us/wab/parcelreportwebapp/.  Click “Parcel Report”, Click “Transportation”, Click “County Maintained Roads”.  All Roads displayed in Green are County Roads.

Special Requirements:  Requests permits be submitted with as much lead time as possible. Clearance for filming and/or photography on County Roads must be granted and approved by both the Monterey County Sheriffs Office and County of Monterey Housing and Community Development Department. Requests for using Drones (Unmanned Aircraft Systems – UAS) for filming must submit FAA certifications and/or other requirements with the application.

For Use of Private Property located in Unincorporated Monterey County:

Fees:  Varies depending on type of permit required.

Special Requirements: If private property is utilized, arrangements must be made with the property owner and appropriate land use entitlements. Contact our office to find out more information regarding the land use entitlements at 831-755-5025.

Monterey County Parks:

Includes Lake San Antonio, Lake Nacimiento, Jacks Peak, Toro Park, San Lorenzo Park, Royal Oaks, and Manzanita.

Fees: Vary by park site from $250 to $1,500 per day; damage deposit may be required.

Special Requirements: Application form available on Monterey County Parks website.

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Please contact the Monterey County Film Commission at 831-646-0910 (cell: 831-594-9410) or email Film Commissioner Karen Nordstrand at Karen@FilmMonterey.org in advance of any filming to register the project, receive filming guidelines and tips, and to be advised of any changes in the following information.

The Monterey County Film Commission does not issue permits, but we are happy to help direct you to the appropriate jurisdictions which you’ll find listed within this section.