ORANGE COUNTY
Orange County offers an exceptional mix of scenic coastline, suburban streets, historic architecture, and upscale urban centers, making it one of Southern California’s most versatile filming destinations outside Los Angeles.
Filming in
Orange County
Orange County offers a diverse range of filming locations, from the stunning beaches of Laguna and Huntington Beach to the historic charm of Mission San Juan Capistrano. You can find urban backdrops in Santa Ana and Anaheim, or natural settings like Whiting Ranch Wilderness Park and Crystal Cove State Park.
Film Permits In Orange County
Filming in Orange County requires navigating each city’s specific permit and regulatory requirements, including application deadlines, insurance, and public notification procedures. Fees can vary widely, often including charges for public safety personnel and location usage. Depending on the city, applications may need to be submitted anywhere from 2 to 30 business days in advance, with additional fees for expedited processing, special effects, and use of city property or resources.
Research Incentives, Subsidies & Discounts
Currently, none of the cities in this region provides local film incentives. However, the area still benefits from the statewide California Film and Television Tax Credit Program, which offers incentives for productions that film outside the Los Angeles zone.
Research Film Permit Fees, Timelines, and Restrictions
Caltrans Highways & Freeways (4)
Basic App Fee: $0
*Caltrans does charge a review fee, as well as an inspection fee for complex requests.
(4) business days prior to start.
(12) for requests involving freeway ramps and lane closures.
(16) for requests involving freeway closures.
CFC Film Permit Office
Mountians Recreation & Conservation Authority (5)
At least one week prior is standard, but applications are accepted within three business days of a shoot for +$336 upon approval. The MRCA Film Office issues filming and photography permits for all parkland managed by the MRCA. This includes open space as well as developed parkland and the Mulholland Overlooks.
Fees are unique to the size and activities of each production. Contact the MRCA for more details.
US Army Corps of Engineers (30)
Basic App Fee: Non-refundable deposit fee of ($750)
- In general, filming is not permitted on Corps-owned property during the rainy season of October 15-April 15, due to safety concerns.
- All permit applications must be submitted at least thirty (30) days prior to the requested film date(s).
Real Estate Division
Los Angeles District, USACE
915 Wilshire Boulevard
Los Angeles, California 90017
Primary Contact: Lisa Sandoval (213) 452-3147
Secondary Contact: Lynette Ulloa (213) 452-3145
California State Parks (4)
Basic App Fee: $0
(4) business days prior to start.
Film Permits
Orange County (30)
Basic App Fee: $400
(30) business days prior to start.
(14) days if you have a business license on file.
Orange County has a film site for OC Parks only. For use of other OC County Facilities please contact them directly.
Film Permits
Film Permit Offices In Orange County
♦Film Permit Offices that require 3 days or less to process basic film permit applications
ANAHEIM (7)
Basic App Fee: $103
(7) business days prior to start.
(14) for requests involving public right-of-way.
Film Permits
COSTA MESA (7)
Basic App Fee: $460
(7) business days prior to start.
Film Permits
♦FULLERTON (3)
Basic App Fee: $931
(3) business days prior to the start.
(5) business days prior to filming on public property and/or city right-of-away.
Film Permits
IRVINE (10)
Basic App Fee: $1000
(10) business days prior to start.
(15) for requests in the business district.
Film Permits
LAGUNA BEACH (7)
Basic App Fee: $820
(7) business days prior to start.
Film Permits
NEWPORT BEACH (5)
Basic App Fee: $931
(5) business days prior to start.Â
Film Permits
Jurisdiction Fees
Municipal Filming Fees List
SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO (5)
Basic App Fee: $150
(5) business days prior to start.
(10) for requests involving public right-of-way.
Film Permits
TUSTIN (10)
Basic App Fee: $587
(10) business days prior to start.
(20) for requests involving public right-of-way.
Film Permits
BREA (14)
Basic App Fee: $500
(14) business days prior to start.
Film Permits
CYPRESS (5)
Basic App Fee: $684
(5) business days prior to start.
(10) for requests involving public right-of-way.
Film Permits
GARDEN GROVE (5)
Basic App Fee: $500
(5) business days prior to start.
Film Permits
LA HABRA (30)
Basic App Fee: $212
(30) business days prior to start.
Film Permits
LAGUNA NIGUEL (14)
Basic App Fee: $300
(14) business days prior to the start of filming activities.
Film Permits
ORANGE (16)
Basic App Fee: $40
(16) business days prior to start.
Film Permits
SANTA ANA (10)
Basic App Fee: $268
(10) business days prior to start.
Film Permits
♦WESTMINSTER (2)
Basic App Fee: $195
(2) business days prior to start.
(5-7) for requests involving public right-of-way.
Film Permits
BUENA PARK (10)
Basic App Fee: $522
(10) business days prior to start.
(20) for requests involving public right-of-way.
Film Permits
DANA POINT (10)
Basic App Fee: $515
(10) business days prior to start.
(20) for requests involving public right-of-way.
Film Permits
*HUNTINGTON BEACH (5)
Basic App Fee: $437
(5) business days prior to start.
(7) business days to reserve police and/or fire.
Film Permits
LA PALMA (10)
Basic App Fee: $1,650
(10) business days prior to the start.
Film Permits
MISSION VIEJO (7)
Basic App Fee: $TBD
(7) business days prior to start.
Film Permit
SAN CLEMENTE (4)
Basic App Fee: $50
(4) business days prior to start.
(10) for requests involving public right-of-way.
Film Permits
SEAL BEACH (30)
Basic App Fee: $290
(30) business days prior to start.
Film Permits
♦YORBA LINDA (2)
Basic App Fee: $250
(2) business days prior to start.
(5-7) for requests involving public right-of-way.
Film Permits
FEATURED CITIES
Popular Cities to Film in Orange County
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