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.

• California Film Commission
• Phone: 800-858-4749 or 323-860-2960
• Fax: 323-860-2976 or 323-860-2972
• Email: filmca@film.ca.gov
• Address: 7080 Hollywood Blvd., Suite 900, Hollywood, CA 90028
• Website: www.film.ca.gov

Location Library:

• Contact: Lisa Mosher, Location Library Specialist, 800-858-4749 ext. 123, or 323-817-4123

State Roads:

• Contact: David Booth, Caltrans Permit Coordinator, 800-858-4749 ext. 104, or 323-817-4104

California Highway Patrol:

• Contact: Ian Ramer, CHP Film Media Relations Officer, 800-858-4749 ext. 103, or 323-817-4103
• Cell: 213-703-2070
• Fax: 323-817-4113
• Email: Ian.Ramer@chp.ca.gov

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 interim contact: Peter Hendrix, 805-549-3206.

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

State Parks:

• Contact: Brandy Davis, Permit Coordinator, Northern California State Parks and Bldgs./Facilities
• Phone: 800-858-4749 ext. 106, or 323-817-4106
• Email: BDavis@film.ca.gov

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.

• Contact: Fleccia Wilson, Special Events Coordinator
• Phone: 831-624-3407
• Email: fwilson@parks.ca.gov

Asilomar State Beach and Monterey Historic Parks:

• Contact: Eric Abma
• Phone: 831-646-6441
• Email: eric.abma@parks.ca.gov

Big Sur Area:

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

• Contact: Pamela Khalar, Film Permit Coordinator
• Phone: 831-667-0507
• Email: BigSurFilm@parks.ca.gov

or

• Contact: Matt Khalar
• Phone: 831-667-2449
• Email: matthew.khalar@parks.ca.gov

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.

Filming with Aerial Drones:

• Use of UAS from California Film Commission (rev. 11/18) — View PDF
• California Film Commission UAS Questionnaire (rev. 11/8/18) — View PDF
• Website: http://film.ca.gov/state-permits/uas-filming-with-drones/
• Also, please see additional requirements at Coastal Aerial Filming (click here)