Film Permits

Ordinance No. 2014-12, Regulations for Commercial Filming, requires that anyone filming for a commercial purpose must obtain a Film Permit through the Office of Communication. To receive a permit the applicant must provide the following:

  • Title of the commercial, film or photo shoot.
  • The type of production to be undertaken.
  • The location(s) of the filming.
  • The dates and times of the filming.
  • Contact information for the production office, producer and location manager.
  • Production schedule and activities. The following activities may require an additional permit:  
    • Stunts
    • Pyrotechnics
    • Special Effects
    • Aerial Photography (Drones)
    • Amplified Sound
    •  Use of Animals
  • Number of persons involved with the production, including cast and crew.
  • Anticipated need of City personnel, equipment or property.
  • Description of any areas in which public access that will be restricted due to production.
  • Description of any alterations that will be made to the property.
  • Number and type of production vehicles that will be used and the locations where they will be stored.
  • Location where the crew will be fed, if not at the production location.
  • Location where extras will be held, if not at the production location.
  • Food vending will require health permits from the Harris County Health Department. 

The Application fee is $50 and it may be waived for non-profit organizations. 

Download Filming Permit Application (PDF)