O 428 C.S.
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ORDINANCE NO. 4'R C.S.
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF ARROYO GRANDE
ADDING CHAPTER 17 TO TITLE 4 OF THE
MUNICIPAL CODE ESTABLISHING REGULATIONS FOR
"FILMING ACTIVITIES"
WHEREAS, State legislation has pre-empted local government from
regulating film activities unless a local film ordinance was adopted by
July 1, 1989; and
WHEREAS, local government shall utilize the California F i l:cn
Commission's model ordinance and permitting process until such time as t:
local jurisdiction adopts its own process consistent with the state mode
and
WHEREAS, each California community is unique and requires regulatory
procedures that are consistent with its identified needs; and
WHEREAS, the adoption of this film ordinance is found to be necessary
for the City's public peace, health and safety, and to protect and preserve
the public interest, health safety, welfare, comfort and convenience;
NOW, THEREFORE, the City Council of the City of Arroyo Grande DOES
ORDAIN as follows:
SECTION 1: Title 4 of the Arroyo Grande Municipal Code is hereby
amended by adding Chapter 17 -- "FILMING ACTIVITIES" to read in its
entirety as follows:
FILMING ACTIVITIES
Sec. 4-17.0l. Purpose of chapter.
It is the purpose of this Chapter to provide rules governing the
issuance of permits for filming activities on location within the City.
The intent of this Chapter is to ensure that still photographers and motion
picture, television, commercial and non-theatrical filming companies will
be encouraged to use locations for filming activities within the City so
long as those activities are consistent with the public safety and the
protection of property.
Sec. 4-17.02. Definitions as used in this chapter.
(a> "Applicant" shall mean the person, organization, corporation,
association or other entity applying for a permit to film in the City of
Arroyo Grande.
(b) "City" shall mean ~
the City of Arroyo Grande as a municip,
corporation and existing pursuant to the laws of the State of California.
(c) "Filming activity" shall mean the staging, shooting, filmin\
videotaping, photographing, or other similar process conducted for the
making of still photographs, motion pictures, television programs,
commercial and non-theatrical film productions.
(d) "Film permit" shall mean' written authorization from the City's
representative designated by the Council to conduct the filming activity
described in the permit.
(e) "Master fee schedule" shall mean those fees, taxes, and
reimbursements for costs and administrative policies adopted by the
Council.
(f> "News purposes" shall mean a filming activity conducted for the
purpose of reporting on persons, events, or scenes which are in the news
for newspapers, television news, and other news media.
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(g) "Permittee" shall mean the person, organization, corporation,
association or other entity issued a film permit under this policy.
(h) "Public street" shall mean any street, right-of-way, public
trail, bikeway or road maintained by the City and located within the City
limits.
(i) "still photography" shall mean and include all activity attendant
to staging or shooting commercial still photographs.
(j) "Student filming activity" shall mean f.ilmin~ activity conducted
to fulfill a course requirement by a student enrolled at a public or
private school.
~ (k) "Studio" shall fi xed place of business where filming
mean a
activities are regularly conducted upon the premises.
Sec. 4-17.03. Permit rec:ruired.
It is unlawful to conduct a filming activity as defined in Section 4-
17.02 within the City without first obtaining a film permit from the Arroyo
Grande Police Department.
A permit is issued by the Arroyo Grande Police Department for the
purpose of filming on City-owned, leased or controlled real property or I
City streets. This permit does not constitute or grant permission to use i
or occupy property not owned, leased or controlled by the City of Arroyo I
Grande. This permit must be in the possession of the permittee at all I
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times while on location in the City. I
An applicant shall obtain the private property owner's written
permission, consent, and/or lease for use of property not owned or
controlled by the City.
Sec. 4-17.04. Permit exemDtions.
The provisions of this Chapter shall not apply to any of the following
activities provided that the activity will not require the closure of a
public street, or substantially impede pedestrian or vehicular traffic
thereon:
(a) Filming activities conducted for news purposes as defined in I
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Section 4-17.02 (f).
(b) Filming activities conducted at studios as defined in section 4-
17.02 (k).
(c) Filming activities conducted for use in a criminal investigation
or civil or criminal court proceeding.
(d) Non-commercial filming activities conducted on private property
solely for private or family use.
(e) Commercial still photography or staging thereof, when conducted
to the exclusion of any other filming activity as defined in Section 4-
17.02 (i) when the following conditions apply:
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(1) The still photography, or staging thereof, will not be
conducted on City property.
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( 2.) The still photography, or staging thereof, will not require
the parking of more than two motor vehicles on any public street within the
City. I
(f) Filming activities conducted by or for the City.
Sec. 4-17.05 Deadline for filinc:r aDDlications.
Applications for a film permit must be filed with the Arroyo Grande
Police Department a minimum of two (2) business days in advance of the date
the film activity is to begin; except that an application for a permit
which includes traffic controls exceeding 3 minutes, minor stunts, minor
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special effects. shall require a minimum of four working days notice; and
those which include street closures. major stunts. or pyrotechnics must be
filed a minimum of ten (10) business days in advance of the first day of
filming.
No late applications will be processed by the City unless the Police
Department determines that special circumstances exist relative to the
application which would have precluded its application on a timely basis.
Applicants are encouraged to submit applications at the earliest
advance date possible in order to facilitate coordination between City
departments.
Upon showing of good cause. the Arroyo Grande Police Department sha)~
consider applications which are filed after the filing deadline if there j
sufficient time to process and investigate the application, and for Cil
Staf f to prepare for the filming activity.
Sec. 4-17.06. Application form.
The permit application shall be on a form furnished by the Arroyo
Grande Police Department signed by the applicant or agent thereof. Such
application shall include, but not be limited to. the foIl owing
information:
(a) Name, address, and telephone number of applicant.
(b) Name, address, and 24-hour telephone number(s) of person in
charge of filming on location.
(c) Filming location(s), dates and approximate daily call times of
proposed filming activities.
(d) Description of scenes to be fi I med including details of any
hazardous filing activity employing firearms, explosives. the use of open
flame, other pyrotechnical effects, animals, stunts, filming of moving
motor vehicles, watercraft or aircraft.
(e) Description of the types and number of motor vehicles which will
be parked on public streets, and description of any equipment to be placed
on public property.
(f) Evidence of adequate insurance certification as may be required.
(g) Such other information descriptions, diagrams, and technical
information as the Arroyo Grande Police Department may require.
Sec. 4-17.07 Permit approval/denial.
(a) The application shall be approved or denied within two (2)
business days of receipt of the application unless the proposed filming
activity requires extensive review by other City departments or oth..-
affected agencies due to pubic health or welfare concerns or fire,
traffic safety. The film permit shall be approved by the Arroyo Gran,
Police Department unless determined from consideration of the applicati,
or other pertinent information, that any of the following conditions exis,
(1) The filming activity will substantially disrupt the use of a
public right of way or street at a time when it is usually subject to
traffic congestion, or interfere with the operation of emergency vehicles
in the proposed permit area.
(2) The location of the filming activity will substantially
interfere with a right-of-way or street maintenance work, or a previously
authorized excavation permit.
(3) The proposed permit location is on City property and the
filming activity will substantially interfere with other previously
authorized activities, contracts or safety of the public or employees while
on City property.
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(4) The proposed permit location is on City property and the I
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filming activity will substantially interfere with municipal functions or
the scheduled maintenance of City buildings or grounds.
(5) The filming activity creates a substantial risk of injury to
persons or damage to property.
( 6) The applicant failed to complete the application after being I
requested to do the information contained in the application is I
so, or I
found to be false in any material detail. "
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(7) The particular filming activity would violate federal, I
state, or local law including licensing or permit requirements. i
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(8) Any other set of specific facts. circumstances and
conditions which, in the discretion of the Arroyo Grande Police Department, I
are determined to present or result .in a situation incompatible or I
inconsistent with the proposed filming activity. I
(b) When the grounds for permit denial can be corrected by imposing
reasonable permit . conditions. the Arroyo Grande Police Department may I
impose such conditions rather than denying the permit.
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Sec. 4-17.08. Permit conditions. I
The Arroyo Grande Police Department may condition the issuance of a
film permit by imposing reasonable terms, conditions, and requirements
concerning the time, place. manner and duration of filming activities as
referenced on the "Terms and conditions" attached to the Film Permit.
including but not limited to, the following:
(a) Requirements for the presence of employees of the City at the
applicant's expense, when required for the particular filming activity.
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(b) Requirements concerning posting of no parking signs, placement of
traffic control devices. and employment of traffic and crowd control
monitors at the applicant's expense.
(c) Requirements concerning posting of the outer boundaries of the
filming activity and providing advance notice to affected property owner's
businesses and tenants.
(d) Requirements concerning the cleanup and restoration of public
streets and City property employed in the filming activity.
(e) Restrictions concerning the use of City or other public agency
employee services, vehicles and other equipment in the filming activity.
(f) Requirements that the applicant pay all fees, and obtain all
permits and licenses required for the filming activity under local, state
and federal laws.
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(g) Restrictions on the use of firearms, explosions, and other noise-
creating or hazardous devices which disturb the peace.
(h) Restrictions on the use of stunts involving pyrotechnics, open
flame, vehicle crashes or other hazardous materials.
(i) Requirements concerning cover-up of police, fire and other
official uniforms worn by actors, when the actors are not on camera.
(j) Restrictions concerning the use of the City and other public
agencies logos, insignias, badges or decals for filming purposes.
(k) Restrictions on the locations and/or daily hours the filming
activity may be conducted within the City.
(l) Requirements concerning the City's or other public agencies'
receipt of proper acknowledgement for any assistance provided in making
feature, television or commercial productions.
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(m) Requirements concerning affirmative action and non-
discriminatory practices for employment.
Sec. 4-17.09. Fees.
ea) A schedule for fees for City services and use of City property
shall be in an amount as established by resolution of the city Council
and/or in accordance with the Master Fee Schedule.
(b) The applicant shall pay all costs incurred by the City in
providing City employees to be present during filming activity.
ec) The City may require that a bond, cash advance, or other security
approved by the City Attorney be posted in advance of the issuance of anl
permit to guarantee and as security for payment covering City's anticipatE
costs or expenses.
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Sec. 4-17.10 Change of filming activity date.
Upon reasonable written notice by the permittee in advance of the
filming activity, the Arroyo Grande Police Department is authorized to
change the date for which the film permit has been issued without requiring
a new application or permit.
Sec. 4-17.11 Insurance reauired.
The applicant for a film permit shall procure and maintain for the
duration of the film activity insurance in the forms , types and amount
prescribed by the City Administrator and as approved by the City Attorney.
Sec. 4-17.12 Liability and indemnification.
Prior to the issuance of the film permit, the permit applicant must
agree in writing to comply with the "Filming permit terms' and conditions".
Sec. 4-17.13 Duties of permittee.
The permittee, and all agents, employees, and contractors of the
permittee at the filming activity site within the City, shall comply with
the following requirements:
{a} The permittee shall comply with all "Terms and conditions" of the
film permit.
(b) The permittee shall not conduct a filming activity within the
City not authorized by the filming permit.
ec) The permittee shall meet with and brief City staff as necessary
to ensure that the personnel assigned have a full understanding of the
hazards and City resources involved. A City Fire Department Officer shall
inspect the film location site prior to filming.
(d) The permittee shall be responsible for ascertaining the fUI~
purpose(s) of the permit conditions and ensuring that all film personne
are in compliance.
(e) The permittee shall comply with instruction made by the City's
Police and Fire Department Officer(s) assigned to police and ensure safety
at the filming activity site.
(f) The permittee shall comply with instructions made by City
employees assigned 'to regulate the filming activity site.
(g) The permittee shall clean and restore all City-owned property
utilized during the filming activity to the same condition as existed prior
to the filming activity.
eh) The permittee shall comply with these regulations and all other
policies and laws of the City and state and federal law.
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Sec. 4-17.14 Street closure. I
The app li can t for a film permit may request that the City authorize a
street closure on the film permit application. A short-term encroachment
permit shall be granted by the City Administrator, his designee, or by the
Chief of Police, unless public health, welfare or safety would be
endangered or affected.
Sec. 4-17.15 Pyrotechnics.
During the filming of any special effect or ,stunt requiring the use of
pyrotechnics or any material deemed hazardous, including but not limited to
fireworks, open flames, or explosives, the applicant must obtain all
r- relevant and required permits from the City Fire Department.
Sec. 4-17.16 Permit revocation or suspension.
(a) Permit revocation - The Arroyo Grande Police Department may
revoke the film permit if the permittee, or any agents, employees or
contractors of the permittee fail to comply with the requirements set forth
in Section 4-17.13, or if the Arroyo Grande Police Department determines
after the permit is issued that the permit application was false in any
material detail.
(1) Notice of the grounds for revocation of the film permit
shall be provided in writing by the Arroyo Grande Police Department to the
permi t applicant or person in charge at the location of the filming I
activity. i
(2) Appeals of the permit revocation shall be conducted in the
manner specified in Section 4-17.17.
(b) Permit suspension - The Arroyo Grande Police Department officer
assigned to police the filming activity site may susp~nd the film permit
when the filming activity poses an immediate hazard to persons or property
and the location manager will not, or cannot, prevent the hazard after
being instructed to do so by the officer.
(1) The grounds for the permit suspension shall be provided in
writing by the Arroyo Grande Police Department to the permittee within one
(1) business day of the suspension.
(2) Appeals of the permit suspension shall be conducted in the
manner specified in Section 4-17.17. I
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Sec. 4-17.17. Appeals.
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(a) The permit applicant or permittee may appeal a permit denial. I
revocation, or suspension, permit condition, insurance/fees requirement or
the Arroyo Grande Police Department's decision not to waive a deadline set I
forth in the Policy. Such ,appeal shall be filed with the City I
Administrator's Office not later than five (5) business days after the date
written notice of the decision is made. Failure to timely file an appeal i
shall result in a waiver to the right to appeal. The appeal shall be heard I
by the City Administrator or his/her designee.
(b) Appeals of the City Administrator's decisions may be made to the
Council by filing a written notice of appeal setting forth the reasons for
such appeal with the City Clerk within ten (10) days of the date of the
decision{s) being appealed. The Council shall hear the appeal at the next
available public meeting and render its decision.
SECTION 2: A summary of this ordinance shall be published in a
newspaper published and circulated in said City at least five (5) days
prior to the City Council meeting at which the proposed ordinance is to be
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adopted. A certified copy of the full text of the proposed ordinance shall I
be posted in the Office of the City Clerk. Within fifteen (15) days after
adoption of the ordinance, the summary with the names of those City Council
members voting for and against the ordinance shall be published again, and
the City Clerk shall post a certified copy of the full text of such adopted
ordinance.
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On motion of Council Member Dougall , seconded by
Council Member t-tx1ts , and on the following roll call
vote, to wit:
AYES: Council Members Dougall," Moots, Olsen, Smith and Mayor Millis
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
the foregoing ordinance was passed and adopted this 24th day of July
, 1990. ~
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MAY~ ·
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ATTEST:
CIT CLERK
APPROVED AS 'IO FORM:
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