Savannah
Savannah is permit-free on private property but tightly regulates its Historic District squares, with a $30 plus $325 per-location fee.
Guidance, not legal advice
Permit
Conditional
Issuer: City of Savannah Office of Special Events, Film and Tourism (Film Savannah)
Cost: One-time non-refundable $30 application processing fee per location, plus a $325 professional permit fee per location
Processing: Apply at least 5 business days before activity
No permit is needed if filming stays entirely on private property. A permit is required when the activity impacts public space, such as sound, light spillage, traffic, or use of streets, sidewalks, or squares. A certificate of insurance naming the city as additional insured is required before the permit is effective.
Drone / airspace
Commercial drone work requires FAA Part 107; expect restrictions over the dense Historic District and public squares
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
- The Historic District squares are heavily regulated; productions must notify businesses and residents within a two-block radius.
- Special effects require fire marshal review; Chatham County locations outside the city use a separate county permit.
Sources
Keep shooting
Knowing the rules is half the job. The craft side: