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Aperture
US City

San Francisco

Film SF's per-day permit fees, the insurance that names the City and the Port, and the personal-photography line.

By Joel Kelly Verified Oct 25, 2026 4 sources
Permit: conditional

Shoot decision

Depends on setup

Film SF requires a permit for commercial productions, entertainment and web content, student films, and still photography.

Permit

Conditional

Issuer: Film SF (San Francisco Film Commission)

Cost: Applying is free; daily use fees are $200 per day for still photography and $300 per day for commercials, corporate media, and short, music, or web videos

Processing: Send the application at least 5 business days before the shoot; the permit issues only after fees are paid

Film SF requires a permit for commercial productions, entertainment and web content, student films, and still photography. You do not need one for private-use photos or video (family or personal travel), credentialed breaking news, or shoots entirely on private property with no shots or production parking outside. Insurance is required: $1,000,000 per occurrence and $2,000,000 aggregate in general liability, naming the City and County of San Francisco and the Port of San Francisco as additional insured.

Official permit page

Drone / airspace

Commercial drone work requires FAA Part 107, and a Film SF permit is required to shoot with a drone on, from, within, or over City streets

Film SF reviews drone requests case by case and requires separate aircraft (UAS) insurance; the drone cost is included in the daily use fee. 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

  • Other agencies issue their own film permits for some locations, and Port property (most piers and the Embarcadero) needs a Port request form with your Film SF application.
  • Shoots between 10 pm and 7 am, or using 8 or more parking spots, require approved neighborhood notices distributed 72 hours ahead.

Guidance, not legal advice

Rules change and enforcement varies. Confirm with the issuing authority before you shoot. Drone law depth lives at Drone Authority.

Drone Authority

Check the flight side

City photo permits do not settle airspace. Drone Authority covers FAA rules, local restrictions, and LAANC checks.

Field kit

Low-friction kit for city rules

Match more field gearCheck field deals

Product links may earn a commission at no cost to you. Verify the rules first, then buy only what keeps the shoot practical.

Plan the city shoot

Sources

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