Austin
Austin requires a permit to shoot in the public right-of-way; the filming permit itself is free, but you reimburse the city's costs and carry insurance.
Guidance, not legal advice
Permit
Conditional
Issuer: City of Austin (Office of Special Events and Transportation and Public Works), with the Austin Film Commission as a resource
Cost: No filming permit fee for public parks or the right-of-way, but you reimburse the city's actual costs for staff, utilities, and security
Processing: Apply ahead; insurance is required before filming on public property
A permit is required to use the right-of-way (street, sidewalk, alley, or parking lane) for any filmmaking, including still photography. Insurance is always required to film on public property: typically at least $500,000 in general liability naming the City of Austin as additional insured, with a waiver of subrogation and 30 days notice of cancellation. Shooting on private premises generally needs no city permit.
Drone / airspace
Commercial drone work requires FAA Part 107; the city adds insurance and approval requirements
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
- Shooting entirely on private property you control generally avoids the city permit, but the moment you spill into the sidewalk or street you need one.
- State Capitol grounds and University of Texas property are not city land and permit separately.
Sources
Keep shooting
Knowing the rules is half the job. The craft side: