Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh publishes its fees and an explicit handheld exemption, with a low-cost still-photo permit and a separate drone permit.
Guidance, not legal advice
Permit
Conditional
Issuer: City of Pittsburgh Office of Film and Event Management
Cost: Commercial film permit base fee $525; still photography permit $50; drone filming application $75 (2025 fees)
Processing: Apply at least 7 business days ahead
Required when a production uses public property: equipment on streets or sidewalks, parking on a public street (always), alleys, or parks. The city explicitly does not require a permit for handheld shooting like walk-and-talks or B-roll that does not block access. Workers compensation coverage is required; students may use proof of school insurance.
Drone / airspace
Commercial drone work requires FAA Part 107; the city issues a separate drone filming permit for a $75 application fee
Local rules 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
- Parking production vehicles on a public street always requires a permit, even when the shoot itself is on private property.
- Commercial still photography on public property has its own lower-cost $50 permit.
Sources
Keep shooting
Knowing the rules is half the job. The craft side: