How to Close a Road for Filming in Georgia
Permitting guidelines, local DOT laws, and the rules that apply to filming in public places are important for any traveling film crew Especially to familiarize themselves with ahead of a production. If you’re thinking about producing a film that will take place in the Peach State. Figuring out how to close a road for filming in Georgia is a challenge. That you’ll have to face early on in your planning of the production. For example, what’s the process for filmmakers to close a road for filming in Georgia? And who should the filmmaker contact about this matter, specifically?
Contacting Georgia Department of Transportation
The Georgia Department of Transportation (DOT) is your contact for permitting and other needs. In regards to figuring out how to close a road for filming in Georgia. Especially if you intend to use the state highway system.
According to the DOT, a permit is required for filmmakers who intend to use the Right of Way for filmmaking purposes anywhere in the state.
Additionally, local city and county ordinances apply should filmmakers require road closures within city or county limits. In these cases, the county or city in which the filmmaking will take place should also be contacted for proper permitting needs.
Districts
Anytime a film shoot will take place across multiple Districts. Permits must be issued for each district involved.
Permits are approved by District Traffic Operations which reserve the right to deny permits. Or to request that the filmmaker seek a permit for a different area or location. Should the requested permit fail to meet guidelines or if there are extensive safety concerns involved.
Locals
If filming on the interstate, in addition to work with the local DOT, Georgia State Patrol (GSP) should also be notified of the intent to film.
This is in addition to any permitting that is already requested, and required, from the Georgia Department of Transportation. For use of the roadway, sidewalks, or right of way within the Peach state.
Rules when a Georgia Road is Closed for Filming
Although the permitting rules seem pretty straightforward and easy enough to understand, when it comes to figuring out how to close a road for filming in Georgia.
It’s important to understand the specific process and guidelines involved in submitting applications for roadway closure. For the purpose of permitting, road closure applications must also include detailed instructions for pedestrian detour routes and a traffic control plan.
In the event that a full road closure is not required? Instead of focusing on how to close a road for filming in Georgia. Intermittent Traffic Control (ITC) on state roads is an option.
The use of ITC is not acceptable. Nor is it permitting. On Interstate roadways in Georgia. This is a consideration for the filmmaker to discuss with the DOT in advance of the film shoot. To ensure they’ve made the best decision for their individual needs.
How to Close a Road for Filming in Georgia Counties
Individual counties have their own unique rules in regards to road closures. While each county is different, the general guidelines regarding applications for film permits. Which provide lane and road closures in Georgia counties are generally similar.
To help you better understand local county rules and how to close a road for filming in Georgia within a specific county. We’ve listed some of the top cities and counties as well as their local ordinances below:
Cobb County Road Closures
Permit applications must be submitted electronically along with traffic control plans. Generally, complete road closure is avoided in this county in favor of alternative lane closures which limit. But do not completely prevent. The flow of traffic while allowing for production in the area.
City of Atlanta, Georgia Road Closures
Applications for road closures in the City of Atlanta are accepted by the Atlanta Mayor Office of Film & Entertainment. Some streets are not available to close for filming. So it’s important to discuss this with the city in advance of your shoot.
Cedartown, Georgia Road Closures
According to Article XV section 22-382, permits are required for filming within incorporated areas of Cedartown, Georgia. Figuring out how to close a road for filming in Georgia. Specifically in Cedartown. Requires communication with the local government offices.
Dekalb County, Georgia Road Closures
Lane closures, as well as full-street closures, are available for filmmakers in Dekalb County. But film permit applications for such closures will require advance submission for approval/
And must include a diagram that labels streets, cross streets, and alleyways that are to be used during the production.
Forsyth County, Georgia Road Closures
A film and video production permit submitted. At least 10 days in advance of the anticipated production dates is required for filming in Forsyth County. And if road closures will be involved an approved traffic control plan must also be submitted and approved.
Contact Local Governments
Within each county, the rules may vary slightly but generally speaking. When it comes to navigating the process of learning how to close a road for filming in Georgia?
The first step is to contact the local county, or city. In which the road closure will take place and to work with them closely on the permitting process.
From there, most will require a list and sample diagram of the road and street closures. That are being requested as well as a proposed Pedestrian Traffic Plan for routing pedestrians. Without further interrupting the flow of everyday traffic along the roadways.
In Summary
Learning how to close a road in Georgia for filming isn’t necessarily difficult. It just takes a bit of time and advanced consideration. As there may be multiple municipal and government departments involved in organizing and executing the road closures.
This includes, sometimes the Georgia DOT, local city or county based law-enforcement. And individual governments that are responsible for the issuing of standard commercial filming permits to those interested in entering Georgia for the purpose of professional film production.
