Permitting

Permit Applications

 

The Imperial County Film Commission continues to monitor the COVID-19 situation and is staying abreast of restrictions and health & safety concerns throughout the state.  

As you may or may not know, Imperial County is in a “shelter at home” mode and has caused over half of the local businesses to close temporarily, work remotely or have very limited access to the public.  While the film commission remains available to assist the filming industry with prospective locations for future filming, we will not be issuing film permits at this time nor meeting in person to scout or discuss production requests.  You may send your inquiries via email or contact us via phone.

Please continue to check our website for updates and/or revised restrictions.

We thank you for your assistance and hope everyone stays healthy as we, a state, country and world go through this epidemic.

 

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Imperial County Film Commission works to expedite the permitting process for motion media companies seeking to do business in the Imperial Valley. With our expertise and assistance, we can ensure the most efficient process for your production. We have previously worked to aid the permitting process with local airports, cities, government entities and the County of Imperial.

ICFC is responsible for permitting film, television, web and print production projects on properties throughout the County of Imperial. The Film Commission provides coordination and guidance for production on all public and private properties within the County of Imperial.

Imperial County government agencies and the Film Commission work hard to encourage film, TV and print production and to keep the permitting process simple and streamlined, while at the same time ensuring public safety, minimizing public inconvenience and preserving the prevailing good will of Imperial County toward filming.

The permit process is customized for each project depending on its complexity. You are encouraged to include the Film Commission even on private properties so that experienced staff people can anticipate complications that might arise.

The general permitting procedure is as follows:

Roundtable Meeting: If necessary - The Film Commission will schedule a Roundtable Meeting at which key production department heads, community agencies such as police, fire, sheriff, etc. and ICFC staff meet to review the project. Depending on the length and complexity of your project, the ICFC may schedule one meeting, or possibly a series of meetings, or if appropriate, the meeting may be waived.

Insurance Certificate: An industry standard one million-dollar general comprehensive insurance policy is required. A standard certificate of insurance naming the Imperial County Film Commission as additional insured must be on file at the ICFC office prior to your first day of production. You may email a copy of this certificate. The contents of the "Certificate Holder" box must match exactly.

Film Permit Form: An Imperial County Film Commission Film Application must be completed, signed and returned to ICFC for approval. Please have a copy of your film registration with you on site at all times. All other pertinent film applications must follow the same dependent upon the location sites selected.

Location Liaison Services: Imperial County incorporated cities may vary in permitting requirements. Imperial County Film Commission will work with local agencies and authorities to ensure that all proper procedures are followed. Additional forms and procedures may be required. Imperial County Film Commission serves as the permitting agency for the County of Imperial and other lands within. Federal, state, and private properties, as well as the 12 other incorporated and unincorporated cities within the county, have their own regulations and procedures for shooting. ICFC can assist by serving as a liaison to these agencies as well.

Neighborhood Letter: A neighborhood letter of notification must be distributed in any community, residential or commercial, that is significantly impacted by any type of production. These letters must be posted and distributed in a timely manner and should always include an ICFC contact and phone number. A copy of this letter must be on file at ICFC prior to shooting.

Child Labor Laws: In the State of California, all minors (under 18 years of age) must have a work permit and minors under the age of 16 must have a licensed studio teacher present on the set.

Finally, if your production includes credits, a "Thank you to the Imperial County Film Commission" is appreciated.