Film permits are required for any commercial film activity that occurs within the City of Palm Desert under Palm Desert Municipal Code 5.94.030. Film activity includes drone use, filming, still photography or video production. Any person desiring to use any property for the purpose of staging, shooting, making, capturing, taking or recording of images for any commercial or business purpose shall obtain a film permit. 

It is highly recommended you call our offices at 760-346-0611, ext. 477 prior to submitting a filming application to discuss your production needs so that we can best assist you. Film Permit applications should be submitted at least five (5) business days in advance, per PDMC 5.94.050(A). The City's staff will discuss the particulars of your production, and let you know what if any special conditions will apply, whether a police officer is required, and any other information needed to secure the permit.

An encroachment permit is required if any drone, filming, photography and video takes place on public property (i.e., sidewalks, streets, etc.) at least ten (10) business days prior to the scheduled filming event. The City’s Permit Center issues the Encroachment Permit for a fee of $251.00. They can be reached at 760-776-6435 or permitcenter@palmdesert.gov. 

The applicant must obtain a property owner’s permission, consent, and or lease for use of property not owned or controlled by the City. All coordination with Homeowner Associations, property owners, schools and residents shall be the responsibility of the applicant. 

The City of Palm Desert requires proof of Certificate of Insurance Liability and the Additional Insured Endorsed document. Insurance requirements depend on the risk level. The certificate of insurance and additional insured endorsement(s) should be endorsed to provide that “The City of Palm Desert and its officers, officials, employees, and agents shall be included as additional insured.”

• Minimum coverage is $1 million per occurrence; $2 million general aggregate.
• Events with higher risk levels require additional insurance coverage through higher limits, such as $5 million per occurrence for pyrotechnic activities.
• Make sure the dates and expiration date are current.
• Certificate Holder: City of Palm Desert 73510 Fred Waring Drive, Palm Desert, CA 92260.
• The City reserves the right to require additional insurance levels based on specific activities or equipment included in the production. 

• Copy of Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) UAS Drone Registration card for each drone on location.
• Copy of FAA UAS Drone Pilot License for each pilot on location. Remote Pilot Certificate under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations.
• A copy of the operator’s written Plan of Activities (POA). The POA should include the following information:
  • Dates and times for the flight(s).
  • Make, model, and UAS registration number.
  • A description of the flight activity including the location. Any applicable mps or diagrams of the area over which filming will be conducted.
• Proof of insurance coverage with proof of additional aerial coverage. The additional requirements are to provide:

• Proof of UAS liability insurance coverage minimum of $1 million per occurrence.
• Evidence of unmanned aircraft (drone) liability coverage for $2 million for the period the drone will be operated within city limits.
• A separate endorsement naming the City of Palm Desert and its officers, officials, employees, and agents shall be included as Additional Insured. 

If traffic control is required, the applicant must contact the Sheriff’s Station at (760) 836-1600 to make arrangements. Fees for the police services are paid separately to the Sheriff’s Department.  

Fire safety officers may be required and must be reviewed separately by the Riverside County Fire Marshal’s office.  For specific information call the Fire Department (760) 836-8886. Fees for the fire officials are paid separately to the Fire Marshal.   

Normal hours for filming are 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.

Drone, Film & Video

• Application Fee: $100.00 plus daily location fee of $25.00 per day or $125.00 for 7 days

Still photography

• Application Fee: $50.00 plus daily location fee of $10.00 per day or $50.00 for 7 days.