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Photo and Film Permits

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Photography and Filming in Santa Barbara

The City of Santa Barbara has been featured in motion pictures, commercials, catalog shoots, and reality shows. From It's Complicated, Sideways, and Seabiscuit to The Amazing Race, Keeping Up with the Kardashians, and Top Chef, Santa Barbara has served as the backdrop for numerous film and video productions, thanks to our wide variety of picture-perfect locations and year-round fantastic weather. 

Permit Requirements

The City of Santa Barbara offers a one-stop permitting process with the Parks and Recreation Department acting as the lead in issuing photo and film permits for any location on City property. Parks and Recreation staff coordinate as many internal logistics as possible among other City departments such as Police, Fire, Public Works, and Waterfront to help make your project a successful one.

Note that productions occurring solely on private property require written permission from the property owner.

Resources and details about photography and filming in the City of Santa Barbara and within the County can be found on the Santa Barbara County Film Commission website. Click on the button below to complete an application to obtain a photo/film permit. If you have further questions, please contact FilmPermits@SantaBarbaraCA.gov or (805) 564-5418.

apply for photo/film permit