Title
Planning and Building Department, Economic Development and Administrative Division, recommending the Board adopt and authorize the Chair to sign Resolution 148-2025 entitled Resolution Establishing Fees for Film Permits in the County of El Dorado.
FUNDING: N/A
Body
DISCUSSION / BACKGROUND
On August 19, 2025 (Legistar file 25-1331), the Board passed and adopted Ordinance 5236 (Ordinance), adding Chapter 58 of Title 5 of the El Dorado County Ordinance Code, entitled “Filming Permits” and approved a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) 9756 - Film Officer Services. The Ordinance requires the issuance of a filming permit prior to taking motion pictures, television, digital media, or commercial still photography on public or private property within El Dorado County and the creation of film permit fees. The MOU outlines the County and Film Officer relationship, where the Film Officer will act as the main liaison to process applications for review, conduct marketing, and administrative oversight, all while promoting economic benefits for the County. Regular reporting by both parties will ensure accountability, with the overall goal of boosting film-related economic activity and regulatory compliance.
The proposed fee resolution establishes a Film Permit Fee Schedule to cover the direct and indirect costs associated with processing applications, reviewing safety plans, coordinating with County agencies and districts, and conducting site inspections of motion pictures, television, digital media or commercial still photography.
Some of the recommended fees include:
Application Fee - To recover administrative costs of reviewing applications, coordinating with departments, and issuing the permit for any film activity covered by the Ordinance.
Daily Film Fee - To recover costs associated with each day of filming activity conducted on County-owned facilities, property or right of way. This fee covers the additional work performed by the Film Officer, such as coordination, marketing, lodging guidance, local business referrals, vendors, crews and advertising.
Prep (Preparation)/Strike Fee - To recover costs associated with each day of preparation or site strike-down (removal of sets, equipment, or other temporary uses) associated with filming on public or private property within the County. This fee ensures that time spent by production crews outside of actual filming is also accounted for, as such activity can limit access, create traffic or safety concerns, and place burdens on County staff and community resources.
The proposed fee structure is consistent with the principle of cost recovery and ensures that film productions, rather than taxpayers, bear the financial responsibility for use of County resources.
ALTERNATIVES
The Board may choose not to approve the proposed Resolution or adopt the proposed Filming Permit Fee Schedule. Film Officer Services would then be fully paid for through the County's General Fund.
PRIOR BOARD ACTION
June 24, 2025 (Legistar file 25-1084), the Board directed the Department to return to the Board with a Film Permit Ordinance, MOU, and Fee Schedule for approval.
August 19, 2025 (Legistar file 25-1331), the Board approved Ordinance 5236 and MOU 9756, and to return with a fee resolution.
OTHER DEPARTMENT / AGENCY INVOLVEMENT
County Counsel, Community Development Finance and Administration
CAO RECOMMENDATION / COMMENTS
Approve as recommended.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
Adoption of the Resolution will allow the County to recover the reasonable costs associated with filming permit administration and Film Officer services. Revenue generated will help offset costs that would otherwise be absorbed by the General Fund.
CLERK OF THE BOARD FOLLOW UP ACTIONS
1) The Clerk of the Board will secure the Chair’s signature on the original copy of the Resolution; and
2) The Clerk of the Board will provide two (2) certified Resolution copies to the Planning and Building Department, attention Jennifer Morris, Sr. Administrative Analyst.
STRATEGIC PLAN COMPONENT
N/A
CONTACT
Karen L. Garner, Director
Planning and Building Department