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
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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 Co...
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