State of California Permits

Monterey County has numerous state roads, state parks and beaches, and even Pt. Lobos State Reserve. These properties are permitted via the California Film Commission after discussing the project with local contacts listed.

Location Library:

State Roads:

California Highway Patrol:

Fees: No location fees. $140 review fee for Caltrans and hourly charges if necessary for rangers. Fees vary based on activity.

Special Requirements:

State Roads: All Caltrans permits are issued through the California Film Commission (CFC). Highway One in Big Sur is a state road (BIG SUR FILMING GUIDELINES). Please note that Caltrans District 5 restricts film activities that include traffic control on Highway One from Carmel Highlands south into San Luis Obispo County during the summer. The moratorium is in effect between Memorial Day weekend and Labor Day weekend. Questions on the policy may be directed to Caltrans District 5 at:

  • Contact: Peter Mututwa, Filming Permits Coordinator, District 5
  • Phone: not available at the moment
  • Email: Peter.Mututwa@dot.ca.gov

For California Highway Patrol support, contact the CHP Film Media Relations Officer at the CFC.

State Parks (Find a California State Park):

Special Requirements:

State Parks: Contact the local state parks rangers to get initial approval of film activity. The final permit is issued through the California Film Commission State Parks Coordinator, Brandy Davis.

Monterey Area:

Parks including Pt. Lobos State Reserve, Carmel River State Beach and Middle Beach, Garrapata State Park, Monastery Beach, Monterey State Beach, Ft. Ord Dunes State Beach, Marina State Beach, Salinas River State Beach, and Moss Landing State Beach.

Asilomar State Beach and Monterey Historic Parks:

Big Sur Area:

Parks including Andrew Molera State Park, Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, Pt. Sur State Park, and Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park.

or

Fees: Varied fees depending on activities, including monitors.

For tips on filming in Big Sur: visit Sustainable Moments.

Mile Marker Guide for Hwy. 1 in Big Sur: Mile Markers – Big Sur.

California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW):

Filming with Aerial Drones:

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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.