In addition to the terms and conditions specified in this document, an applicant shall obtain the property owner's signature prior to the granting of a permit.  Additionally, the applicant may be required to provide advance notice and/or gain approvals from all appropriate residents and homeowners associations located near the proposed film permit activity as determined by the Film Permit Coordinator. 

Special Effects
Special effects, including gunfire, explosions, cars or people repelling off the cliffs, helicopter flying, etc. are generally not permitted by the City.  However, on rare occasions the City may grant permission with specific restrictions, pending approval by selected residents and/or homeowners associations.

Directional Signs
The posting of Directional Signs in the public right-of-way is not permitted.  Any sign posted within the public right-of-way will be removed at the expense of the permittee.

Fee Schedule
The City adopted a new fee schedule on June 5, 2007 based upon the MAXIMUS Cost-Based Fee Study (April 2005) of the City’s full cost of processing permit applications and providing support city services.  The City decided to phase-in the full costs over time. 

The current fee schedule is provided in the film permit application.  Fees are based upon the type and location of filming activity.  Fees for the application and staffing commitment are NON-REFUNDABLE. 

Exemption from Permit Fee Requirements:   Permits shall be required, yet the business license tax and permit fees shall be waived for the following:

a.       The filming, videotaping or other productions for a charitable purpose or from which no profit is derived either directly or indirectly; or

b.       The filming, videotaping or other productions for a current class assignment.  Student must provide written documentation by school or professor, as well as a current student identification to qualify for exemption.

Liability & Insurance Provisions
A certificate of insurance is required in the amount of one million dollars ($1,000,000) naming the City of Rancho Palos Verdes, its officers and employees as co-insured for protection against claims of third persons for personal injuries, wrongful deaths and property damage unless greater or lesser coverage is requested and approved by the Film Permit Coordinator. The certificate shall not be subject to cancellation until after thirty (30) days written notice to the City of Rancho Palos Verdes.  If the applicant is conducting pyrotechnics or other special effects, the amount specified in the certificate of insurance, upon request of the City Manager or designee, may be increased. 

An applicant must execute a Hold Harmless Agreement.  The Hold Harmless Agreement must be signed by the same individual that signs as the company representative on the permit application.  Agreement is attached.

Activity in the Public Right-of-Way
Any activity proposed to occur in the public right-of-way (i.e. vehicles, camera stand, “no parking” signs, equipment, stringing cable or generators on the street/sidewalk OR driving shots) will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.   Applicants shall submit a Watch Traffic Control Plan indicating the type and placement of traffic controls to scale.   The City’s Traffic Engineer will review the Watch Traffic Control Plan.  If approved, the applicant will be responsible for supplying, placing, and removing the necessary Sheriff services, traffic safety equipment, etc. as presented in the Watch Traffic Control Plan.  Permittee’s failure to comply with an approved Watch Traffic Control Plan shall result in immediate termination of the film permit.

Filming in the right-of-way and on major City arterials (Palos Verdes Drive South/East/West, Hawthorne and Crenshaw) are generally permitted only during non-peak traffic hours of 9:30 am – 2:00 pm.  The City of Rancho Palos Verdes does not allow full road closures for any film, video or still photography activity.   However, the City will consider limited traffic control measures (intermittent traffic control) during non-peak traffic hours. 

 “NO PARKING” SIGNS:
The posting of “No-Parking” signs require advance warning of at least 48 hours.  “No Parking” signs shall clearly state the times and dates of parking restrictions and shall be spaced every fifty (50) feet of in front of every house impacted.  The signs shall be posted on “Type II Barricades” or “orange delineators”.   

Los Angeles County Sheriff Department Services
The City of Rancho Palos Verdes contracts with the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department for law enforcement services.  The Sheriff's Department must always be contacted regarding any film permit application.  The Sheriff's Department will determine if any public safety services are necessary, including whether or not a Deputy should be assigned to be on site during film/video/photo or other production activities, as well as any fees to be charged.  Generally, public safety services are required for productions with a cast and crew of over 50 persons, driving shots, special effects, or night shots. The Sheriff's Department fees are in addition to City fees and are paid directly by the applicant to the Sheriff's Department. 

Los Angeles County Fire Department Services
The City of Rancho Palos Verdes is served by the Los Angeles County Fire Department for fire safety services. The City will submit your film permit application to the County Fire Department and they will determine if the services of a Fire Safety Advisor or Officer are necessary.  If a Fire Safety Advisor or Officer is assigned to the production, the Fire Department will contact the permittee one day before the activity date.   Generally, fire safety services are required for productions with a cast and crew of over 50 persons, special effects, and interior shots.  The Fire Department fees are in addition to City fees and are paid directly by the applicant to the Fire Department.  County fees are subject to change without notice. 

Los Angeles County Beaches & Harbors, County Lifeguard, and U.S. Coast Guard
Los Angeles County Lifeguard services must be obtained for any filming activity in connection with the ocean (i.e. swimming & boating scenes, etc.) or other bodies of water.    In some cases, U.S. Coast Guard approval may also necessary.  U.S. Coast Guard approval is also necessary for filming activities conducted at the Pt. Vicente Lighthouse.  These approvals are in addition to City approval and City film permit must still be completed.

California State Coastal Commission
California Coastal Commission approval is necessary for any filming activity that requires structural changes to a coastal area.

City Department Approvals
Approval from the following City departments may be required for some productions:

Planning, Building and Code Enforcement:   Department approval is required for any environmental issues, including temporary construction of sets, grading and after regular hours filming (prior to 7:00 a.m. and after 7:00 p.m.).

Public Works Department:  Department approval is required for any film/photo/video or other related activity that occurs in the public right-of-way (see Public Right-of-Way section).

Recreation and Parks Department:  Department approval is required for any related film/video/photo activity at any City park.  Park staff may be required to be on site for some City park locations, such as Abalone Cove Shoreline Park.  Such staffing costs are the responsibility of the applicant and are in addition to the permit costs.

Conditions and Restrictions
The applicant shall comply will all conditions and restrictions of the film permit.  Violation of the Rancho Palos Verdes film ordinance (Chapter 9.16 of the Rancho Palos Verdes Municipal Code) constitutes a misdemeanor and all filming activity will be halted.  Such violations will void the permit for future use.  No changes to the permit will be allowed after initial permit issuance without the written approval of the City.  Additionally, filming may not occur for more than fourteen (14) consecutive days, on public or private property, without approval from the City Manager.