Chapter 5.36 - Commercial Filming Permit
- Photographers and filmographers are prohibited from conducting photo or film shoots in the Hall of Justice wing, apart from the areas around the Cafeteria.
- Photo and film schedules should occur ideally on Fridays. Film and Photo shoots are not permitted on Tuesdays.
- Photo and film shoots are permitted in the public hallways, patio outside the cafeteria and the exterior of the building, but not in the private office spaces or lobbies.
- Film and Photo crews are always prohibited from blocking entrances, exits, bathrooms and pathways for circulation.
- For commercial photo or film shoots, provide insurance that meets the following criteria:
Your proof of insurance must name the “County of Marin” as an additional insured for no less than $1 million, and the insurance should either include a “blanket endorsement” that pertains to permits/contracts and references the specific policy cited on the COI, or an AIE must be attached. Also, if you have employees (such as a model and stylist), worker’s compensation insurance is also required.
- If your film or photo shoot is not for commercial purposes, but is part of a student project, please provide the syllabus or class assignment document with your film permit application. Also, provide the name of the professor and their contact information. This will waive the insurance requirements and fees. However, you will be required to complete and submit a student waiver of liability for each of the participants in the photo or film shoot.
- If your photo or film shoot will occur after hours around the exterior of the building, additional approval is required by the Department of Public Works Grounds crew.
Section 5.36.010 Required
- County property shall not be used for filming motion pictures or television for commercial purposes unless a permit has been first obtained from the responsible department director agency director in accordance with the provisions of this chapter. A permit is not required for filming activities which occur solely within the Marin Veterans' Memorial Building.
- County maintained roads and right-of-ways shall not be used for filming motion pictures or television for commercial purposes unless a permit has been first obtained from the Public Works Director in accordance with the provisions of this chapter.
- County parks shall not be used for filming motion pictures or television for commercial purposes unless a permit has been obtained from the Department of Parks, Open Space and Cultural Services Director in accordance with the provisions of this chapter.
(Ord. 3387 § 1, 2003: Ord. 2138 § 1, 1975: Ord. 1763 § 1 (part), 1970)
5.36.020 - Application fee
For any permits issued by the community development agency director, an application for a permit shall be made on forms provided by the director. The application shall be accompanied by a nonrefundable fee to be established by the board of supervisors for each eight-hour period of use, plus a deposit of such additional sums as are estimated by the director to be necessary to cover actual cost of required regulation, including but not limited to the hiring of guards, that may exceed the basic fee. If additional expenses are incurred by the county in connection with the operation by applicant under this permit, applicant shall pay such amount to the county upon billing by the county auditor-controller. Any permits issued by the department of public works director or the parks, open space and cultural services shall be in the amount established by the board of supervisors.
(Ord. 3387 § 2, 2003: Ord. 2636, 1981: Ord. 1763 § 1 (part), 1970)
5.36.030 - Waiver of application fee
All or any portion of the fee may be waived with approval of the board of supervisors if the filming is being done for educational or public purposes.
(Ord. 3387 § 3, 2003: Ord. 1763 § 1 (part), 1970)
5.36.040 - Compliance of applicant
Applicant shall comply with whatever provisions the responsible department director as deemed necessary to insure that the film making activities do not unreasonably impede the flow of vehicular traffic, or restrict public access to and from county property or damage county property.
(Ord. 3387 § 4, 2003: Ord. 1763 § 1 (part), 1970)
5.36.050 - Insurance requirements
Applicant shall furnish at its own expense an insurance policy covering bodily injuries and liability in an amount established by resolution of the board of supervisors. The insurance policy shall name the county as additional insured. A copy of the policy or evidence of a certificate of endorsement shall be filed with the responsible department director prior to any use by applicant of the premises covered by the permit.
(Ord. 3387 § 5, 2003: Ord. 2661, 1981: Ord. 1763 § 1 (part), 1970)
5.36.060 - Clean-up of premises required
Applicant shall conduct operations in an orderly fashion with continuous attention to the storage of equipment not in use and the clean-up of trash and debris. The premises shall be left in a clean condition. In the event applicant does not comply with these requirements, as determined by the county, applicant shall pay to county the cost of necessary clean-up.
(Ord. 3387 § 6, 2003: Ord. 1763 § 1 (part), 1970)