Title
Planning and Building Department, Economic Development Division, recommending the Board of Supervisors:
1) Receive and file an annual report on film permit activity since adoption of Ordinance 5236, “Filming Permits”, and Resolution 148-2025, Fees for Film Permits;
2) Approve and authorize the Chair to sign Amendment 1 to Memorandum of Understanding 9756 with the El Dorado County Chamber of Commerce for the provision of Film Officer services, increasing the not-to-exceed amount by $150,750 for a new amount of $301,500, and extending the term by one (1) year for a revised expiration date of August 11, 2027; and
3) Provide direction to staff to identify additional ways to structure the program to align with film industry standards and best practices, including fees, and explore alternative avenues for funding Film Commissioner activities.
Funding: General Fund - 99.5% / Film Permit Fees - 0.5%.
Body
Discussion / Background
In the 1980s, the State of California adopted the Motion Picture, Television and Commercial Industries Act, recognizing that the motion picture industry provides unique and significant contributions to the economy of the State, to the cultural enrichment of its citizens, and a unique form of entertainment for the state, country and world at large. The State further acknowledged the direct and indirect economic benefits of expenditures for hotels, food establishments, leases of equipment and property, transportation, and wages and salaries paid to individuals in California as a result of motion picture production. In order to provide an environment supportive of, and conducive to, the undertakings of the motion picture industry, the State established a uniform “model” filming permitting process and encourages all cities and counties to utilize the model ordinance if requiring film permits.
In April 1990, the Board of Supervisors adopted Resolution 86-90, formally implementing a “model filming permit process”, as established by the California Uniform Film Permit Act (Government Code, Section 14999.30). This Resolution also established the El Dorado Lake Tahoe Film & Media Office (Film Office) within the El Dorado County Chamber of Commerce (Chamber) to work cooperatively and responsively with the film industry.
Since its opening in 1993, the Film Office has actively promoted El Dorado County as a premier filming destination. Executive Director Kathleen Dodge has served as the County’s Film Commissioner since the office was established. The office attracts media production, expedites required permits, coordinates multi-jurisdictional filming, and ensures compliance with film permits. In addition to managing permitting logistics, Kathleen leads ongoing outreach, targeted marketing, and industry networking.
Over the years, Dodge and the Film Office have supported major productions, reality television shows, commercials,and other media projects that continue to strengthen local businesses and contribute to overall economic development. A current example is the production of Gold Mountain, portions of which are being filmed in El Dorado County. Drawing on her extensive experience and relationships built over time by the Film Office, Kathleen ensured that the production located in El Dorado County rather than another location. Film days are estimated at 50, with more than 150 crew members, and 200 rooms in local lodging. Some news outlets have reported that this production is expected to bring more than $30 million into the local economy.
Film Permit Data
On August 19, 2025 (Legistar File 25-1331), the Board adopted Ordinance 5236, “Filming Permits”, updating the process for orderly issuance and enforcement of permits for filming activity. This Ordinance also created a mechanism for cost recovery for County staff time and use charges, with film permit fees established by Resolution 148-2025.
Since the adoption of Ordinance 5235 and Resolution 148-2025, the County has collected $765 in permit revenue which is much lower than anticipated. Under Resolution 148-2025, the fees collected in Quarters 3 and 4 apply only to application fees for projects in the unincorporated areas of the County, while daily fees and prep/strike fees apply only to filming or still photography on County-owned property, facilities, and roads. Much of the current production activity is occurring within incorporated city limits or on State-owned property--areas not subject to County permit fees--resulting in fewer County-issued permits overall. In addition, fees did not take effect until after the second quarter, as most productions in the first half of the Fiscal Year 2025-26 applied before the fee resolution went into place.
Amendment 1 to Memorandum of Understanding 9756
Amendment 1 to Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) 9756 with the Chamber proposes to increase the not-to-exceed amount by $150,750 for a new not-to-exceed amount of $301,500 and extend the term by one (1) year for a revised expiration date of August 11, 2027. This Amendment allows the Film Office to continue to provide Film Officer services in El Dorado County.
Continued investment in Film Officer services will support the economic benefits the film industry brings to local communities. The Film Office provides a centralized, professionally managed point of contact for productions, ensures coordination across more than 85 local agencies, and positions the County competitively among California jurisdictions actively seeking to attract film-related activity. The requested one-year extension and funding increase will support ongoing and emerging productions, attract new opportunities, and preserve longstanding industry relationships.
In addition to this recommendation, the Board could provide staff direction to begin exploring alternative service delivery options and/or funding strategies, such as a partnership with local entities which also benefit from the Film Officer’s services. Because the Amendment extends the Agreement by one (1) year, the County would have sufficient time to evaluate options, engage partner agencies, and develop a long-term service model without disrupting current operations, harming industry relationships, or impacting in-progress productions. This option ensures service continuity while allowing the County to thoughtfully plan for the future.
Alternatives
The Board may decline to approve and sign Amendment to Memorandum of Understanding 9756. This would leave the County with no resources to perform film commissioner duties, disrupt service continuity, and limit the County’s ability to support ongoing and upcoming productions.
Prior Board Action
On July 17, 2018 (Legistar File 18-1067), the Board presented Kathleen Dodge with a certificate of recognition for her services as a Film Commissioner.
On June 24, 2025 (Legistar File 25-1084), the Board directed the Department to return to the Board with a Film Permit Ordinance, Memorandum of Understanding, and Fee Schedule for approval.
On August 19, 2025 (Legistar File 25-1331), the Board adopted Ordinance 5236, “Filming Permits”, updating the process for orderly issuance and enforcement of permits for filming activity. This Ordinance also created a mechanism for cost recovery and use charges, with film permit fees established by Resolution 148-2025. Additionally, the Board executed Memorandum of Understanding 9756.
On October 21, 2025 (Legistar File 25-1358), the Board adopted Resolution 148-2025 establishing fees for film permits.
OTHER Department/Agency involvement
County Counsel; El Dorado County Chamber of Commerce
CAO Recommendation
Approve as recommended.
Financial Impact
The cost for El Dorado County Chamber/Film Commissioner has been included in the Fiscal Year 2026-27 Budget.
Clerk of the board follow up actions
The Clerk of the Board will obtain the Chair’s signature on Amendment 1 to Memorandum of Understanding 9756.
Strategic Plan Component
N/A
contact
Karen L. Garner, Director
Planning and Building Department