📞 THE MASTER PERMIT & CONTACT DIRECTORY (2026)

Save these numbers into your production phone immediately. These are the direct lines to the officials who approve your permits.

📝 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.”

📝 PERMIT & GOVERNANCE: OFFICES

🎬 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.

🏙️ City & Urban Jurisdictions

  • San Diego Film Office (City Hall): Your primary contact for the Gaslamp, Balboa Park, La Jolla Cove, and Sunset Cliffs.
  • Port of San Diego (Tidelands & Bay): For the Airport area, Harbor Island, and the Embarcadero.
  • City of Coronado (The Village & North Beach):

🌲 Mountain, Forest & County Park Jurisdictions

  • San Diego County Parks & Rec: For William Heise, Dos Picos, and various heritage parks.
  • Palomar Mountain Ranger District (National Forest): For the “Big Tree” high-elevation forest shoots.
  • Descanso Ranger District (Cleveland National Forest): For Mount Laguna and various mountain meadows.

🏖️ State Parks & Specialized Agencies

  • California State Parks (San Diego Coast): For Torrey Pines, Old Town, and Cardiff.
  • Cabrillo National Monument (Federal): For the lighthouse and tide pool cliffs.

🏛️ THE “HIDDEN” RULES FOR 2026

Producers need to be aware of two major changes for the 2026 production season in San Diego:

  1. Staffing Constraints: Due to increased public events in 2026, the City has issued an advisory that new events and major street closures are subject to police staffing availability. Book your dates at least 60 days out to guarantee security support.
  2. Fee Adjustments: San Diego County Parks updated their fee schedule as of January 2, 2026. Still photography now starts at **$50/hour** ($300/day), while motion/commercial filming starts at **$100/hour** ($600/day).
  3. The “No-Drone” Zones: Be extremely careful near North Island Naval Air Station and MCAS Miramar. Even with a permit, these areas have high-frequency jamming that can cause drones to drop. Always consult with a local flight lead.