Film Permits for the Marin Civic Center

If you want to film or take photos at the Marin County Civic Center for commercial purposes, you need a permit.

Areas where you can film and take photos:  

• Public hallways
• Cafeteria patio
• Exterior of the building 

Areas where filming and taking photos are not allowed:  

• Hall of Justice wing (except the Cafeteria patio)
• Private office spaces
• Lobbies 

If you want to film at the Marin Center (Fairgrounds, Lagoon, Island, Veterans’ Memorial Auditorium) then you will need to rent the venue for the day(s). 

You can film and shoot photos during regular business hours. We prefer photo and film shoots to occur on Fridays. You cannot schedule filming or photoshoots on Tuesdays.  

If you want to film around the exterior of the Civic Center after business hours, you’ll need permission from the Department of Cultural Services. 

Before you begin filming or taking photos, you must notify surrounding businesses and residents that you are filming.  

Except for short 5-minute intervals, do not block: 

• Entrances
• Exits
• Bathrooms
• Pathways 

While you are filming, be respectful of your surroundings. When you’re done filming, take all equipment, props, and trash with you. If you don’t, you will need to reimburse the County for the cost of clean up. 

If you need to wet driveways and certain outdoor spaces for your photoshoot, you need to get approval from the Sheriff’s Department.

Your proof of insurance should include: 

• County of Marin listed as an additional insured for no less than $1 million
• Either a blanket endorsement for permits and contracts, or an additional insured endorsement 

If you have employees, such as a model or stylist, worker’s compensation insurance is required.

If you are filming for educational or public purposes, the Board of Supervisors may be able to waive some or all of the filming fee.  

If you are filming for a school project, you still need to apply for a commercial filming permit.  

You will need to provide: 

• Class syllabus or assignment
• Name and contact information of professor
• Student waiver of liability for each person participating in the shoot 

You can review the rules for commercial filming in Chapter 5.36 of the Marin County Municipal Code. 

Apply for a film permit