How to Get Permission from a City to Film at a Park

Filming inside a park will generally fall under filming in public which means you might be wondering whether you should take additional steps in figuring out how to get permission from a city to film at a park? The reality is, if you intend to film at a city park, you’ll almost certainly need a permit from the city in order to film commercially, especially if you intend to bring equipment into the park and there is any potential that you will interrupt regular park operations. But do you know how to get permission from a city to film at a park?

Filming in Public

Parks are considered public places. Although they are generally owned by the local city or state in which they are located.

You might not think you need a permit or permission to film in public. But most local ordinances will require commercial filmmakers to obtain written permission, through a permit, to film in their parks.

Requesting Permit

If you want to film in a park, your first order of seeking permission from the city is to contact the local film commission or city government office and request a permit to film.

You’ll need to provide details as to how large your film crew will be, what your intentions are, how long you will film, and whether or not additional city services such as law enforcement for crowd control will be required along with your permit.

Requesting a permit to film is simple. Most cities are happy to bring filmmakers into the area as it brings revenue into their town.

Therefore, they are generally happy to provide you with a film permit which would allow you to film at public parks or in various other locations. Just be specific about your intent when asking.

Plan in Advance

Figuring out how to get permission from a city to film at a park is really all about planning in advance of the shoot.

You won’t want to wait until the last minute to seek permission because there’s a good chance that you will have to go through several steps in order to obtain written consent to film. 

Many cities require 10 or more business days advance notice from filmmakers that are seeking permission to film.

Additionally, some parks require advance notice to reserve certain areas of the park. Areas such as pavilions or parking lots. So you’ll want to plan well enough in advance to ensure you can cover all of these bases.

Obtain Written Permission

So you’ve figured out how to get permission from a city to film at a park. You’ve spoken with the local film commission, county or city government office.

And you’ve even worked out the appropriate reservations for pavilions! As well as other park needs with the local parks and recreation department. Now all you need is to have your permission provided to you in writing.

Written permission from the city is required. This way you can show anyone that attempts to shut down your filming that you have gone through the appropriate steps and obtained permission to be there.

Keep your permit or other form of written permission with you at all times. And be prepared to show it!