San Diego
San Diego registers film and still-photo shoots on city property for free, with longer lead times for closures, drones, and beach work.
Guidance, not legal advice
Permit
Conditional
Issuer: San Diego Film Office (City Office of Special Events and Filming)
Cost: No fee to register a film or still photography shoot on city public property; venue and staffing costs can apply
Processing: 3 business days normally; 1 to 2 weeks for closures, weapons, drones, or beach and water work
A filming authorization is required on city public property. Commercial general liability of $1,000,000 per occurrence and $2,000,000 aggregate is required, naming the City of San Diego as additional insured, with higher limits for larger shoots.
Drone / airspace
Commercial drone work requires FAA Part 107; the city requires a UAS checklist before authorizing a drone on city property
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
- Balboa Park may set its own location fees through Friends of Balboa Park.
- Beaches and open spaces go through the Parks and Recreation filming application, with longer lead times and likely lifeguard coordination.
Sources
Keep shooting
Knowing the rules is half the job. The craft side: