San Francisco
Film SF's per-day permit fees, the insurance that names the City and the Port, and the personal-photography line.
Guidance, not legal advice
Permit
Conditional
Issuer: Film SF (San Francisco Film Commission)
Cost: Still photography around $200 per day; commercial, corporate, web, and music-video work around $300 per day
Processing: Apply at least 7 business days ahead; the permit issues only after insurance is received
Productions using public property need a permit. Personal photography that does not occupy or claim exclusive use of public space generally does not. Insurance is required: typically $1,000,000 per occurrence and $2,000,000 aggregate in general liability, naming the City and County of San Francisco and the Port as additional insured.
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
- San Francisco Recreation and Parks permits filming on park property separately from Film SF; many iconic spots are park land.
- Landmarks like Lombard Street and the Palace of Fine Arts can carry extra conditions for commercial shoots.
Sources
Keep shooting
Knowing the rules is half the job. The craft side: