Film Permitting
The San Bernardino County Economic Development Department aides in obtaining film and photo permits for all commercial filming/photography done in the unincorporated areas of San Bernardino County.
For the most efficient and cost-effective permitting experience, we encourage all production companies to apply directly with the San Bernardino County Film Office. We do not contract with any outside services and handle all applications in-house. Please note that our office has no affiliation with the "Inland Empire (IE) Film Commission," "Inland Empire (IE) Film Services," or the "IE Film Commission" Facebook group.
Our team will help coordinate your film or photo with timely, effective communication. Once your permit application is submitted through San Bernardino County's online application system, our team will review all necessary documentation and reach out to you to ensure that you are briefed throughout the entire process including any potential setbacks or uncertainties that may arise.
If you have any questions about the process, please do not hesitate to reach out to us at EDAFilm@eda.sbcounty.gov.
A filming permit is required for all commercial filming/photography done in the unincorporated areas of San Bernardino County. Click here to verify that your film location is within San Bernardino County's jurisdiction.
** Please note, per San Bernardino County ordinance 84.28.030, a short term rental (STR) cannot be permitted for film or photography.
Frequently Asked Questions
Some incorporated cities issue their own film permits and do not require a film permit issued by San Bernardino County. To verify where you should permit your production, please enter your filming location address into the top right search bar on our Film Permitting Jurisdictions ArcGIS Map provided below.
View the Location Library for San Bernardino County
Please use the film permitting jurisdictions map and enter the film site address. If the location you inputted for your search is within the outlined shape, your location takes place within San Bernardino County. The provided free tool will also provide you with your indicated parcel number, which is important for when you fill out your application, as well as other information about the location that could be helpful to your permit coordination.
San Bernardino County offers a convenient one-stop online application system called EZOP for all permit-related processes. Through EZOP, you can easily start a new permit application, update an existing one, upload required documents, and pay fees — all in one place.
EZ Online Permitting (EZOP) Portal
Please ensure all dates, times, locations, and required documents are finalized before submitting a film application.
Processing Simple Changes:
San Bernardino County will accommodate one (1) simple change to an application within 24 hours of submission. Simple changes include:
- Date adjustments
- Time adjustments
Processing Substantial Changes:
If the request is submitted after 24 hours or involves substantial changes, the production company must submit a new, finalized film application for review. Substantial changes include:
- Modifications to county road usage
- Location changes
- Updates requiring approval from additional county departments
- Requests involving special districts
To facilitate review after submission of all documents, please email EDAFilm@eda.sbcounty.gov and include both the original permit number and the updated permit number.
Minimum Required Documents for all Permits:
- Waiver of Subrogation Rights
- County Credits Agreement
- Certificate of Insurance (COI)*
- Letter of Endorsement (LOE)*
- Private Property Approval Form (required for each location)
Additional Required Documents for Drone Usage:
- Request to Use Drone UAS Application Form
- A detailed description of proposed flight activities (including maps)
- Copy of Remote Pilot Certificate/License
- Proof of successfully completed Knowledge Test
- Copy of Small UAS Certification
- Certificate of Insurance (COI) meeting the UAS Specific Insurance Requirements
- Letter of Endorsement (LOE) meeting the UAS Specific Insurance Requirements
Other Additional Requirements and Information (as applicable):
- California Highway Patrol (CHP) Proof of Approval**
- County Regional Parks Stipulations
- County Animal Stipulations
- Vehicle Liability Waiver
- Workers Comp Waiver
- Workers Comp FAQ
- For student films only: A letter written on your school's letterhead by a school administrator or instructor stating that the applicant is currently enrolled in a recognized U. S. educational institution and that the film shall not be commercially released in any manner whatsoever.
To comply with the San Bernardino County film ordinance Section 41.2403 we may request additional documentation to ensure the permit being issued is for commercial purposes.
Types of documents that are accepted are as follows:
- Production agreement or contract: outlines project details, including dates, locations, and production personnel involved
- Budget or financing documents
- Call sheets
- Casting and crew lists
- Letter of intent or agreement from talent agencies
- Identification of production company: request a letter or document that verifies the registered status of the production company through local business registration officers or international film and television associations
*The COI and LOE are provided to applicants by their insurance company. Please review the documents “Insurance Proof of Coverage Requirements” and “Insurance Coverage Specifications” for San Bernardino County’s insurance requirements.
** When filming on a San Bernardino County road, a Road Permit is required from Public Works Department along with CHP Approval. Map of County roads.
- Standard Permit (excluding filming on county-maintained roads, filming at regional parks, and use of drones): A minimum of 3 business days upon receipt of all required documentation meeting county standards.
- Drone Permits: A minimum of 7 business days upon receipt of all required documentation meeting county standards.
- County Road Filming Permits: The Public Works Department requires a minimum of 7 business days for processing.
- County Regional Park Filming Permits: The Regional Parks Department requires a minimum of 4 business weeks for processing.
- Film permit (motion and still): $258.00/permit.
- Minor rider – additions, corrections or alterations to permits: $69.00/permit.
- Major rider – additions, corrections or alterations to permits which involves collecting fees on behalf of other departments: $94.00/permit.
- Applicants are subject to additional fees based on the complexity of the production.
Yes, a filming permit is required for all commercial filming/photography done in the unincorporated areas of San Bernardino County, or when facilities are used that belong to, are managed by or are under the jurisdiction of the San Bernardino County.
** Please note, per San Bernardino County ordinance 84.28.030, a short term rental (STR) cannot be permitted for film or photography.
With the passage of The California Tax Credit Program 3.0, your production, if qualified, may be eligible for tax credits. To learn more about this opportunity, please visit the California Film Commission (CFC) page.