Santa Barbara County

All filming in unincorporated Santa Barbara County requires a film permit from the Planning and Development Film Permit Office, plus payment of all applicable fees unless specifically waived by ordinance (County Code Chapter 14C). Apply online through the Santa Barbara County Citizen Portal. Before finishing the online application you must submit the Film Permit Submittal Checklist and Application, the Insurance and Indemnification Agreement, a Parking and Staging Plan, a Declaration of Mailed Notification, and occupant/owner notifications.

Other County departments may also review your application: Public Works Roads Division (filming in the County right-of-way), County Fire (helicopters, generators, special effects or safety personnel), Community Services Parks Division (County parks and beaches, where Park Rangers may be retained for monitoring or crowd control), and the Sheriff's Office (when law enforcement staff are needed).

• Feature Films and TV Movies
• TV Series and Music Videos
• TV Commercials, Automobile Stills and Videos
• Educational and Documentary Films
• Still Photography on Public Right-of-Way

Contact the Film Permit Office for current requirements.

Contact the Film Permit Office for current requirements.

Submit the County's Insurance and Indemnification Agreement for Filming with your application.

Filming is not permitted on these County roads:

• Alisos Ave
• Armour Ranch Rd
• Baseline Ave (E of Sky Dr)
• Happy Canyon Rd
• Monarch Dr

Please note: Central Coast Holiday traffic control moratorium on State Highways, December 21 – January 3. Driving shots are permitted but no ITC or rolling breaks. You may not impede traffic in any manner during this time.

See Visit Santa Barbara Film Commission: Restricted Filming Zones.

Helicopter use in Santa Barbara County generally requires an additional 48 hours notice.

$100 to $3,000 depending on the category of use. Exterior of the Courthouse only. Booked in two-hour increments, up to a full day.

Please note: Use of the Courthouse is at the discretion of the South County Operations Manager.

The Goleta Pier may be used for film and photo shoots.

Please note: Use of Goleta Beach Pier is at the discretion of the South County Operations Manager.