Title
Planning and Building Department, Economic Development Division is recommending the Board:
1) Receive and file a presentation on the County’s current Film Resolution 86-90;
2) Direct staff to prepare a County Film Ordinance based on the State’s recommended Model Filming Ordinance, rescinding Resolution 86-90;
3) Direct staff to submit the County Film Ordinance to the California Film Commission as required per Government Code 14999.21;
4) Direct staff to prepare a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) agreement between the County and the El Dorado Chamber of Commerce on behalf of El Dorado Tahoe Film + Media (Film Office);
5) Direct staff to prepare a fee schedule for Film Permit activities; and
6) Return to the Board with a Film Permit Ordinance, MOU and Fee Schedule for approval.
FUNDING: N/A
Body
DISCUSSION / BACKGROUND
On February 11, 2025 (Legistar file 25-0236), the Board provided direction not to fund economic development and tourism related activities to outside agencies as part of efforts to balance the FY 2025/26 budget. This included the El Dorado County Chamber Film Commission, known as El Dorado Tahoe Film + Media (Film Office) that has been funded at $150,750 for the past several years. Film productions have a very direct positive economic impact to the County primarily through contributions to Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) and Sales Tax. According to the Association of Film Commissioners International, “At its core, a commission is a specialized screen sector organization focused on economic development.”
If the activities of the Film Office ceased, it is unlikely that any of the TOT and sales tax generated by the activities would otherwise be realized by the County. In other words, if the County does not have an active and capable Film Office, film activities will go elsewhere.
There are both state and local regulations that affect filming activities in the County. Resolution 86-90 (Attachment B) adopted a film permit process for the County in April 1990 and has never been updated. It is largely based on the State’s Uniform Film Permit requirements in effect at that time. Current State code, TITLE 2 - GOVERNMENT OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA, DIVISION 3 - EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT, PART 5.7 - ECONOMIC AND MOTION PICTURE DEVELOPMENT, CHAPTER 3 - Uniform Film Permit, has since been modified. Therefore, the County’s film permit resolution is inconsistent with state requirements. One of the key requirements of the State is that every jurisdiction have a designated person to assist with film activities.
Because of the direct economic benefits of film production activities, it is recommended that the County;
• Update the County’s Film Permit Resolution/Ordinance
• Restructure the Film Permit Program with a goal of being “self-funding”
• Continue utilizing the services of the current designated Film Officer
• Work with the Film Officer to gather data on the economic impacts of film and media production in the County and report back to the Board at least annually.
Staff Recommendations
Staff recommends rescinding Resolution 86-90 and adopting the state’s model film ordinance. This ordinance is written to ensure uniform film ordinances and permit processes throughout the State. The ordinance is broadly written and high-level.
Attachment C is the state’s model film ordinance. Staff suggests one addition.
• IV. Applicants and Issuance - adding #10 “Other information as deemed necessary by the County or Film Officer.”
Staff also recommends that in addition to the ordinance, a formal agreement between the County and the Film Office be adopted by the Board that details the roles and responsibilities of each party, funding structure including application fees, reporting requirements and a more detailed permit process. Including these details in the agreement rather than the ordinance provides the necessary flexibility and ability to update in a timely manner. Attachment E list staff’s suggested agreement points.
ALTERNATIVES
The Board could choose to provide direction other than staff recommendations detailed above.
PRIOR BOARD ACTION
See Discussion/Background above.
OTHER DEPARTMENT / AGENCY INVOLVEMENT
County Counsel
CAO RECOMMENDATION / COMMENTS
Receive and file the presentation and direct staff as recommended.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
While the goal is to establish a self-sustaining program, the department's budget will have an impact on its General Fund during the first quarter of FY 2025-26. This will be recouped through film permits throughout the year. When the Updated Film Ordinance is presented to the Board for approval, a more detailed financial explanation will be provided.
CLERK OF THE BOARD FOLLOW UP ACTIONS
N/A
STRATEGIC PLAN COMPONENT
Thriving Economy
CONTACT
Karen L. Garner, Director
Planning and Building Department