Filming in Cupertino
A City permit is required to film or record video on public property, facility, or residence within Cupertino except for News Media, Private Non-Commercial Video, Studio Filming, and City-sponsored Events. A complete filming permit application shall be filed with the City at least fourteen (14) days prior to any film production or thirty (30) days in advance if the filming production interferes with traffic or involves potential public safety hazards.
Applicant will pay the cost of the materials and mailing plus a 15% admin fee to provide notice of the filming to all residents and merchants within a three hundred (300) foot radius of the film location at least seventy-two (72) hours prior to the first day of filming (See Legal Noticing Fee, Cupertino Municipal Code §19.12). Applicant is responsible for securing and providing Fire, Law Enforcement, or Emergency Medical services when required.
Apply for a Filming Permit
Does my filming production require a permit?
The filming ordinance requires a film permit for any film production within the City on public property, with the following exemptions:
- News media
- Private non-commercial (family) videos
- Studio filming
Filming Permit Process
To apply for a Filming Permit, review the process below:
Accessible Filming Permit Process(PDF, 39KB)
Before beginning your application, be sure to have the following documents ready to attach, if required for the filming production:
- Encroachment Permit
- Insurance
- Drone Registration
- FAA License
- Filming Production Schedule
- Parking Plans (with Mapped Plot Plans)
To demonstrate exemption from Film Permit fees, please have the following documents ready to attach:
- IRS Determination Letter (for Non-Profit 501(c)3, 501(c)4 Organizations)
- School Certification Letter (for Student Films)
Fee Schedule for Filming Permit
Cupertino Film Permit Fee Structure
(Standard fees for encroachment permits, security personnel, and other direct services are separately applied.)
Charitable or Student Films are exempt from permit-related fees but still require a permit.
Ordinance Details
On May 5, 2026, City Council approved Ordinance 26-2282 establishing regulations for film production within the City of Cupertino. Key provisions in the ordinance include:
- Establishing general requirements regarding public noticing, filming hours, site conditions, crew behavior, and oversight.
- Prohibiting interference with routine neighborhood activities (e.g. street sweeping, refuse collection).
- Setting requirements for filming that would impact traffic flow.
- Authorizing the City Manager, or designee, to issue film permits, impose conditions, and require insurance, safety plans, and coordination with law enforcement or emergency services, when applicable.
- Incorporating standard liability, insurance, and indemnification provisions consistent with City Code and state law.
- Codifying criteria for permit denial, revocation, and enforcement to ensure compliance with the City’s Municipal Code and public safety standards.
The new filming ordinance is reflected in Municipal Code Chapter 5.51.
For questions, contact Communications.