Local Permits

Monterey County encompasses a vast area including 12 incorporated cities, a large amount of unincorporated county land, state parks and U.S. Forest Service property, and privately-controlled areas.

What You Need to Know to Film On-Location in Monterey County

Although each jurisdiction handles its own film permit procedures directly, all require the following:

• certificate of insurance for a minimum of $1 million naming the jurisdiction (and its officers, agents and employees) as additionally insured
• a written locations breakdown or description
• signature of an authorized representative
• payment in advance of the project

Permits are easily obtainable in most areas of Monterey County and most cities comply with the California State Film Commission’s model permit. Most jurisdictions request a five day minimum lead time or longer if the project requires full street closures, pyrotechnics or major special effects. For filming taking place entirely on private property, no additional permit is needed. On the following pages are the contact names, phone numbers, fee ranges and any special requirements of the most often filmed areas within Monterey County.

COVID-19 Film Production Guidelines

The California Department of Public Health guidance for Film and TV Production states: To reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission, productions, cast, crew and other industry workers should abide by safety protocols agreed by labor and management, which may be further enhanced by county public health officers. Back office staff and management should adhere to Office Workspace guidelines. In addition, refer to the industry-wide guidelines.

California State COVID-19: https://covid19.ca.gov/industry-guidance/

Monterey County Health Department: https://www.co.monterey.ca.us/government/departments-a-h/health

For more film and COVID-19 related matters, visit California Film Commission’s website: https://film.ca.gov