Baltimore
Baltimore requires a film permit for most location shoots, coordinated through the Baltimore Film Office with a certificate of liability insurance up front.
Guidance, not legal advice
Permit
Conditional
Issuer: Baltimore Film Office (Mayor's Office of Arts, Culture and Entertainment)
Cost: Fee varies, see the film office
Processing: Registration, an inquiry meeting, then Department of Transportation permitting; start well ahead
Baltimore City requires permits for most film and commercial photography location shoots. The process starts with a registration form and a Certificate of Liability Insurance sent to the Baltimore Film Office, which then coordinates the permit with the Department of Transportation and other city agencies. Casual handheld personal photography does not need a permit. 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
- Fort McHenry is a national park unit, so NPS commercial filming rules apply there, not city rules.
- City parks run permits through Baltimore City Recreation and Parks, separate from the film office pipeline.
- Maryland has a state film office too; shoots on state property route through it rather than the city.
Sources
Keep shooting
Knowing the rules is half the job. The craft side: