📝 PERMITS & GOVERNANCE: THE RULES

San Diego is “Film Friendly,” but jurisdiction is fragmented. You must know whose land you are standing on to avoid a “Shut Down” order mid-shoot.

⚖️ The Universal Rules

  • The 3-5 Day Rule: For simple shoots, applications must be submitted at least 3 to 5 business days in advance. For complex shoots involving street closures or pyrotechnics, a 10-15 business day lead time is required.
  • COI (Insurance): You cannot step foot on public property without a Certificate of Insurance. Generally, you need $1M in General Liability naming the “City of San Diego” (or specific jurisdiction) as “Additionally Insured.”
  • The “Low-Impact” Exception: In many SD jurisdictions, still photography with a crew of 3 or fewer, no professional equipment (tripods only), and no talent interference with the public may not require a formal permit—but it is always safer to file a free “Film Registration.”

🏛️ Jurisdiction Breakdown & Specific Regulations

A. City of San Diego (Most Common)

  • Scope: Includes La Jolla, Sunset Cliffs, Gaslamp, and Balboa Park.
  • The Rule: Most still photography and “low-impact” motion shoots are Fee-Free, but you must pay a processing fee (approx. $10–$25) to register.
  • Equipment Limits: Large generators, scaffolding, or “cabling” across sidewalks will trigger a more intensive permit and potential Fire Marshal oversight.
  • Contact: Official Site | Call (619) 236-6330

B. The Port of San Diego (Tidelands)

  • Scope: Includes the Embarcadero, San Diego Bay, the Airport vicinity, and the land under the Coronado Bridge.
  • The Rule: The Port is a separate entity from the City. They require their own permit. Fees are tiered based on the size of the crew.
  • Parking: They are very strict about “Picture Cars” on the sidewalk or grass.
  • Contact: Official Site | Call (619) 686-6200

C. California State Parks (The Beaches)

  • Scope: Torrey Pines State Beach, Old Town State Park, and Cardiff State Beach.
  • The Rule: State Parks are much more expensive and restrictive than City Parks. Expect a daily “Use Fee” (often $250–$500+) plus a monitor fee if the shoot is large.
  • Drone Rule: Drones are generally prohibited in State Parks unless a very specific “Right of Entry” permit is granted.
  • Contact: Official Site | Call (619) 688-3356

D. The City of Coronado

  • Scope: The beaches in front of the Hotel Del and the residential “Village.”
  • The Rule: Coronado is its own city. They have a reputation for being very protective of their “small-town” feel.
  • Weekend Rule: Filming on beaches during summer weekends (Memorial Day to Labor Day) is often restricted or denied due to crowds.
  • Contact: Official Site | Call (619) 522-7300

E. Drone Regulations (FAA & Local)

  • Controlled Airspace: Much of San Diego (Downtown/Point Loma) is in “Class B” airspace due to San Diego International (SAN).
  • The Rule: Even with a Part 107 license, you MUST have LAANC authorization. Flying a drone for a commercial shoot without a permit and FAA clearance is a felony-level federal fine.

💡 Pro-Tip for Producers

“If you aren’t sure who owns the land, look at the trash cans. If they say ‘City of San Diego,’ follow City rules. If they have a Port logo, stop and call the Port Office. Getting this wrong can result in your gear being impounded.”

📝 2. PERMIT & GOVERNANCE OFFICES

🎬 9. FIELD GUIDE: ZONE-SPECIFIC PRODUCTION TIPS

🏙️ ZONE: Downtown & The Gaslamp (Urban/Commercial)

  • The “One-Way” Trap: Downtown SD is a grid of one-way streets. If your grip truck misses a turn, it can take 15 minutes to circle back. Tip: Use a “Lead Scout” vehicle to guide heavy equipment directly to the load-in zone.
  • The Blue Hour Secret: Because of the tall buildings in the Gaslamp, “Golden Hour” ends early on the street level as the sun dips behind the skyline. Tip: For that warm glow, shoot between 2:00 PM and 4:00 PM in the winter, or move to a rooftop lounge for the actual sunset.
  • Sound Interference: The “Green Line” Trolley and the proximity to the Airport (SAN) mean a plane passes overhead every 3 minutes. Tip: If you are recording sync-sound, book a “Sound Mixer” who specializes in high-ambient noise environments, or plan for ADR (Audio Dialogue Replacement).
  • Parking Hack: Don’t rely on street meters. Book a buyout at the 6th & K Parkade or the Convention Center Lot for your crew basecamp.

🏖️ ZONE: The Coast & Beaches (Swim/Lifestyle/Athletic)

  • The “Wet Sand” Reflection: For high-end fashion, the “Mirror Effect” on the sand is best achieved at negative low tide. Tip: Cross-reference your shoot day with the NOAA Tide Predictions.
  • Salt Spray & Gear: The salt air at Sunset Cliffs or Windansea is brutal on glass and sensors. Tip: Keep a “Lens Tech” on hand with plenty of Pancro and microfiber. Ensure all “dead” gear is sealed in Pelis immediately.
  • The Public Factor: SD beaches are public property. You cannot legally “cordon off” a public beach from walkers. Tip: Shoot on Tuesday or Wednesday mornings to minimize “background tourists.” If you need a private beach feel, look into Black’s Beach (access is difficult, which keeps crowds away).
  • Lighting (May Gray/June Gloom): From May to July, the coast is often covered in a thick marine layer until 2:00 PM. Tip: Don’t fight it! This is “Nature’s Softbox.” It’s the best time for beauty and skin-care shoots because there are zero harsh shadows.

🌲 ZONE: The Mountains & Desert (Adventure/Auto/Rugged)

  • The “Hour Gap”: Mount Laguna and Julian are at 4,000+ feet. It can be 75°F at your agency office in San Diego and 40°F in the mountains. Tip: Always advise talent and crew to bring “Base Layers.” Hypothermia is a real risk for models in summer wardrobe during mountain shoots.
  • Cell Service Dead Zones: Once you pass Descanso heading into the mountains or Borego, cell service is spotty to non-existent. Tip: Provide your crew with Physical Maps and “Walkie-Talkies” (long-range) for communication between the “Basecamp” and the “Set.”
  • The Rattlesnake Rule: If shooting in Anza-Borrego or the rocky areas of Mount Laguna between March and October, you need a “Safety Lead.” Tip: Never let a model or crew member step into tall brush or behind rocks without a “clear” from the production assistant.
  • Golden Hour in the Desert: In Anza-Borrego, the sun disappears behind the San Jacinto mountains about 30–40 minutes before the official sunset. Tip: Schedule your “Hero Shot” for at least an hour earlier than you think you need to.