Film Permit Information 

Welcome and thank you for choosing the City of Pismo Beach as your film production location! 

Halfway between San Francisco and Los Angeles, Pismo Beach is the classic California beach town located on the central coast. Our beach town is famous for our historic pier, miles of white sand beaches, and outstanding accommodations.

Recently named the #1 Best Coastal Small Town in America in USA Today’s Reader’s Choice Award 2026 for the second year in a row! Pismo Beach embodies relaxation, adventure and natural beauty.


The city of Pismo Beach stretches between Bluff Drive just east of Pirates Cove and down to Meadow Creek, just north of the Monarch Butterfly Grove. Are you looking to film on or near the sand dunes or Pismo State Beach? The picturesque sand dunes and State Vehicular Recreation Area are managed and maintained by the State of California, Department of Parks and Recreation. Please reach out to our neighbors at the Oceano Dunes District at 805-773-7175.

Check out our new Interactive Park Map for all City owned parks.

Film Permitting at a Glance

    • Municipal Code 5.44.030: A permit issued by the film development office for the purpose of filming on city-owned, leased or controlled real property or city streets.
    • An applicant shall obtain the private property owner's permission, consent, and/or lease for use of the property not owned or controlled by the city.
    • Municipal Code 5.04.410: Business Licenses.Transient Photographers. 

  • Permit Exemptions

  • Current cost of a Film Permit

    • $1,879.50 for a standard film permit plus a 5% Digital Archive Fee.
    • Additional costs may be required for Fire ($396.28), Police, and Public Works services.
    • Non-Profit/Educational Films - No Charge. Must confirm with city staff.
    • All City Fees
    • Municipal Code 5.44.050.A - Applications for a film permit must be filed with the film development office a minimum of fourteen (14) days in advance of the date of the film activity. Staff may allow for special circumstances.

  • Film Permit Application

  • California Film Commission

  • Visit SLO CAL

    • https://www.slocal.com/
    • Visit SLO CAL is the non-profit countrywide destination marketing and management organization for San Luis Obispo County (SLO CAL).

Location Contacts

Monarch Butterfly Grove
Oso Flaco Lake
Pismo Beach Pier Promenade
Pismo Preserve
Pismo State Beach
Sand Dunes
Shell Beach Village
  1. 1 Lifeguard Tower
  2. 2 Readers Choice
  3. 3 Pismo Beach_Car Show
  4. 4 Sand Art
  5. 5 Pismo Beach_Boardwalk_Night
  6. 6 Film
  7. 7 Promenade Sign
  8. 8 2014 Chapman House Rainbow
  9. 9 pier
  10. 10 20170923_160946
  11. 11 The Chapman House Shell Beach, Ca. (66)
  12. 12 Pismo Sign

Do I need a Film Permit?

Any person, group, or organization desiring to film on city property shall first obtain a Film Permit. Please review our FAQs section prior to completing an application.  A Film Permit Application is available online. Incomplete applications will not be accepted.
Should you have any questions, contact the film permit liaison at 805-773-4658 or email the Administrative Assistant at permits@pismobeach.org. The Film Permit Application must be submitted within 14 days prior to the date of the filming event along with the required insurance documents, and payment of permitting fees.

What Documents Should Be Included in the Application?

To make the review and approval process run smoothly, a project proposal package is highly encouraged. Include all site locations, equipment lists, and the number of crew personnel to be expected. A photo simulation of the project is not required but is encouraged for larger filming projects.
  1. What are the deadlines for submitting a Film Permit Application?
  2. Are there film permit exemptions?
  3. Should I submit an application even if I am scouting other areas?
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Pismo Beach City Limits