Sacramento
Sacramento requires a film permit for all commercial filming, public or private property, with insurance required for every production.
Guidance, not legal advice
Permit
Permit required
Issuer: Sacramento Film + Media (Sacramento Film Office, City of Sacramento)
Cost: $100 permit fee plus service fees, covering two consecutive weeks or up to 10 locations
Processing: Simple shoots can be permitted in about 3 business days; closures and notifications take longer
All commercial filming in the City of Sacramento requires a film permit, on both public and private property; only sound stage work is exempt. Insurance is required for all productions regardless of size. Casual personal photography is not commercial filming and needs nothing. Verify current terms 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
- The State Capitol and Capitol Park are state property; permits for state-owned locations go through the California Film Commission, not the city.
- Old Sacramento's waterfront includes a state historic park; confirm which manager covers your exact spot.
- Sacramento is one of the stricter cities in this list: the commercial permit requirement extends to shoots on private property.
Sources
Keep shooting
Knowing the rules is half the job. The craft side: