Title
Planning and Building Department, Economic Development Division, recommending the Board Approve the Final Passage (Second Reading) of Ordinance 5236, adding Chapter 58 to Title 5 of the El Dorado County Ordinance Code entitled “Filming Permits,” to establish uniform procedures and requirements for commercial filming in El Dorado County. (Refer 8/12/2025, Item 38)
FUNDING: General Fund / Filming Permit Fees (to be established by Resolution and approved by the Board at a later date).
Body
DISCUSSION / BACKGROUND
On August 12, 2025, the Board heard Ordinance 5236 and Continued the matter to August 19, 2025 for Final Passage (Second Reading).
Filming Permits Ordinance
The proposed ordinance adds Chapter 58 to Title 5 of the County Code and provides a modernized structure for issuing and enforcing permits for motion picture, television, digital media, and still photography projects. The Ordinance:
· Establishes permit requirements and exemptions;
· Authorizes the creation of an associated fee schedule via separate Board Resolution;
· Outlines application and insurance requirements;
· Allows for cost recovery and security deposits;
· Provides enforcement mechanisms and authorizes permit revocation if necessary;
· Repeals outdated Resolution No. 86-90.
The Ordinance has been modeled after the California Film Commission’s best practices and is designed to reduce administrative burdens while ensuring safety, compliance, and cost recovery. The Ordinance was submitted to the California Film Commission on July 9, 2025. A representative from the California Film Commission responded to the County's Ordinance on July 14, 2025 with a few minor suggested edits. Those edits have been incorporated into the Ordinance.
Adoption of this Ordinance is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) under Section 15061(b)(3) as there is no possibility of a significant effect on the environment.
MOU - Film Officer Services
To support the implementation of the Ordi...
Click here for full text