Albuquerque
Albuquerque requires a film permit for any production on city property or shooting at night, filed at least 72 business hours ahead.
Guidance, not legal advice
Permit
Conditional
Issuer: Albuquerque Film Office (City of Albuquerque)
Cost: Fee varies, see the film office
Processing: Permit and documents due 72 business hours before any filming activity, including load-in
Filming activity on City of Albuquerque property requires a permit regardless of the size or type of production, and night shoots also trigger the requirement. Producers must review and sign the city's Film, Television and Photography Guidelines, and resident/business notification letters are required for all permitted activity. Casual personal photography needs nothing. Verify current requirements with the film office.
Drone / airspace
Commercial drone work requires FAA Part 107; local property rules add restrictions
Local takeoff, landing, and park restrictions sit on top of FAA airspace rules. For Part 107 and drone law, see Drone Authority.
Street / public space
Yes: you can photograph what is visible from public space in the US
Private property sets its own rules regardless of city law.
Practical notes
- Old Town's plaza area is city property, so the permit rule applies to commercial shoots there.
- Petroglyph National Monument follows NPS rules, not city rules.
- The 72-business-hour clock covers move-in, basecamp, and equipment setup, not just the time cameras roll.
Sources
Keep shooting
Knowing the rules is half the job. The craft side: