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FAQ (Film Permit)

FAQ (Film Permit)

Film Permit Frequently Asked Questions
The below questions are provided in an effort to provide as much information as possible about the film permitting in unincorporated Clark County. If your question is not answered below, please reach out to our licensing staff at BLFilmAdministrator@ClarkCountyNV.gov.

General Film Permit Questions

I want to film in Las Vegas, do I need a film permit?
Yes; a film permit is necessary to film any commercial photography, still photography, any music video, documentary footage, motion picture, or television show in unincorporated Clark County.
I want to film in Las Vegas, do I only need to reach out to the city or county where I want to film?
No; you will also need to register with the state film office: the Nevada Film Office. Registration is free and for more information about registering with the state film office, please visit: NevadaFilm.com
How do I know which city, county, or other agency I should contact for a film permit?
Being specific about your film location(s) is incredibly important and we recommend you use our jurisdiction locator to assist in determining which jurisdiction you need to contact for a film permit. The region most people consider “Las Vegas” is made up of six (6) different jurisdictions: city of Las Vegas, city of Henderson, Clark County, Boulder City, city of Mesquite, and city of North Las Vegas.
Are there other agencies I may need to contact in addition to the city or county I am filming in?
Yes; depending on the scope of your film project, you may also be asked to contact the Federal Bureau of Land Management, the Nevada Department of Transportation, Nevada Highway Patrol, the Nevada Film Office, the Fremont Street Experience, the Federal Aviation Administration, Clark County Department of Public Works, Clark County Fire Department, Clark County Department of Parks and Recreation, Harry Reid International Airport, and/or the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department. Contact information can/ will be provided by the film administrator if necessary for your application.
How do I apply for a film permit with Clark County?
Our film permit application can be completed online and is submitted electronically.
Is there a fee for film permits?
Yes; while the film permit itself is free there is a $45 Film Permit processing fee. Note, there may be additional costs associated with location permissions, maintaining public safety, or traffic closures depending on the needs of the project. However, those fees will need to be paid directly to the additional agency and are not fees levied by the County Film Permit division.

 

 

 

How do I pay my film permit processing fee?
The $45 Film Permit processing fee can only be paid online. Once a film permit application has been reviewed, a confirmation email will be sent to the contact email provided at time of application with instructions on how to submit a direct online payment. Confirmation emails will only be sent from BLFilmAdministrator@ClarkCountyNV.gov
Will I need anything other than a film permit?
Yes; state law requires that you register your project with the Nevada Film Office. Registration is free and can be completed online at NevadaFilm.com.

Depending on the extent of your film permit, you may also need permission from any combination of the following agencies:
  1. A location agreement from property management/ owner.
  2. Depending on the scope of your film project, you may also be asked to contact the Federal Bureau of Land Management, the Nevada Department of Transportation, Nevada Highway Patrol, the Nevada Film Office, the Fremont Street Experience, the Federal Aviation Administration, Clark County Department of Public Works, Clark County Fire Department, Clark County Department of Parks and Recreation, Harry Reid International Airport, and/or the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department. Contact information can/ will be provided by the film administrator if necessary for your application.

 

 

How far in advance do I need to submit a film permit before the start of my project?
Completed permit applications must be submitted a minimum of ten (10) calendar days prior to the first day of filming.
I'm filling out the film permit application, what information should I include in "General Description of Proposed Activity"?
This field in the film permit application should be a full detail and description of your film/ photography project. Include as much detail as possible, timeline (set up and tear down), types of filming equipment, any additional equipment, number of persons on location, etc.
I'm filling out the film permit application, what should I include under the "Description" field for "Address or Location"?
This field in the film permit application should be a full detail and description of the type of activities and/or filming to be conducted at each production location.
I submitted my application for a film permit, how long will it take to receive my film permit?
It depends; after all the necessary documents have been submitted, the processing fee paid, and all other applicable agencies have signed off on your permit application, permits will be sent via email as available. In some cases, we will require additional information from you and a film representative will contact you via phone or email Any missing documentation, or documentation not provided in a timely manner, will delay the process.
I am filming inside a private residence, do I need a film permit?
It depends; if you are filming inside a building or home and have an agreement with the property owner allowing the filming, you do not need a film permit. the filming moves outside of the residence, a film permit may be required if the public right-of-way is affected (street, sidewalk, parking, etc.), use of additional light and equipment, excessive noise or disturbance to the neighborhood. Additionally, you will be asked to give at least forty-eight (48) hours of notice to the neighborhood prior to start of filming. If asked to obtain a film permit, a copy of your location agreement must also be provided as part of your film permit application.

 

 

I am filming outside a commercial building or private residence, or in a residential area, do I need a film permit?
Yes; even if you have an agreement with the property owner, you will need a film permit. If you are filming in a neighborhood, you will also need to give at least forty-eight (48) hours of notice to the neighborhood. Location agreements must also be provided as part of your film permit application. Other restrictions for filming in a residential area include, but are not limited to, no use of aerial drones, no creation of a “base camp”, prior approval for any lane closures, traffic interruptions, or usage of special effects.
I'm a social media influencer, do I need film permit?
Yes; as you are creating content with the expectation of monetization of the content, a film permit will be required for any situation that meets the standard for filming in unincorporated Clark County.
I'm filming outside in a residential area; do I need a film permit?
Yes; if the filming is outside of a the residence or in a residential area you will need a film permit and to give at least forty-eight (48) hours of notice to the neighborhood. A copy of your location agreement must also be provided as part of your film permit application. Other restrictions for filming in a residential area include, but are not limited to, no use of aerial drones, no creation of a “base camp”, prior approval for any lane closures, traffic interruptions, or usage of special effects.

 

 

I'm filming inside a casino, do I need a film permit?
No; however, we do recommend reaching out to the hotel/ resort/ casino for permission to film on location.
I want to film at the airport, what approvals do I need to obtain a film permit?
You will need to obtain permission from Harry Reid International Airport. Commercial filming and photography projects may complete a Clark County Department of Aviation (CCDOA) Commercial Filming and Photography Application (available online). Completed CCDOA applications and questions about filming at the airport can be emailed to AirportFilming@LASAirport.com

 

 

I want to film from the sidewalks along Las Vegas Boulevard, do I need a film permit?
Yes; many sidewalks in front of hotels and casinos are private property. In some cases, you may also be required to contact the hotels directly and receive their permission. They include, but are not limited to: Sahara, Resorts World, Encore, Wynn, Treasure Island, the Mirage, Caesar’s Palace, The Palazzo at the Venetian, The Venetian, Harrah’s, The Linq, Flamingo, the Cromwell, Bellagio, Cosmopolitan, Paris, Planet Hollywood, ARIA, Park MGM, New York – New York, MGM Grand, Excalibur, the Luxor, Mandalay Bay, and the Tropicana.
I want to film in a parking lot, do I need to obtain a film permit?
Yes; you will need a film permit and to provide a location agreement if on/ filming in a private property’s parking lot where the public right-of-way (street, sidewalk, parking structure, etc.) will be affected either through use of additional light and equipment, excessive noise or general disturbance.

 

 

I want to film at the "Welcome to Las Vegas" sign, do I need a film permit?
Yes; filming is limited to a thirty (30) minute time limit from start to end of filming. Any extended period of time would need approval from Clark County Department of Public Works and Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (LVMPD). If more than five (5) people are involved in the project, and depending on the scope of the project, LVMPD may also need to be on-site during the filming.
I want to use a drone for my shoot (still photography and/ or video), are there additional requirements?
Yes; you will need prior approval from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to be able to use an aerial vehicle or drone during filming as part of your application for a film permit. Important note: aerial vehicles and drone usage is not allowable in a residential area.
How many days before my project start date should I submit the film application?
All film permits should be submitted a minimum of ten (10) calendar days prior to the production start date.

 

 

When is a location agreement required?
Any time filming occurs on private property, and a film permit is required, a location agreement should be submitted.
I want to film on a holiday, are there any additional requirements?
No; however, there is no filming on either federal or state recognized holidays.

 

 

When is Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department required for film permits?
Based on the activities you plan, the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (LVMPD) or the Nevada Highway Patrol (NHP) will determine whether or not officers will be required on-site during the film event. Nevada Highway Patrol (702) 432-5005 or Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (702) 828-3442.
I need to close a lane along a street, do I need approvals for a lane closure?
Yes; depending on the type of lane closure you will need approvals from the Clark County Department of Public Works (CCPW). In addition, the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (LVMPD) may need to be on-site to assist with traffic safety. When submitting a request for a lane closure, or intermittent lane closure, please include the following information at a minimum: date, time, length of closure, and which specific roadway(s) to be affected.
  1. Full Lane Closure: A traffic control plan will need to be submitted to CCPW and you will need to receive approval. An officer request form and approval, as submitted through LVMPD, may also be needed.
  2. Intermittent Traffic Control: An officer request form will need to be submitted through LVMPD as officers will need to be on-site.
What/ where is the Las Vegas "Strip"?
“The Strip" is the nickname of the main section of Las Vegas Blvd. that falls within the jurisdiction of unincorporated Clark County between the streets of Sahara Avenue at the North to Russell Road at the South. Any locations north of Sahara Avenue along Las Vegas Blvd. falls under the jurisdiction of the city of Las Vegas.
  1. Map of Las Vegas Blvd./ “The Strip”
I want to use pyrotechnics while filming, are there special requirements?
Yes; the use of pyrotechnics, flame, special effects, lasers, etc. must comply with Clark County Code 30.48.140 and approval from the Clark County Fire Department must be obtained.

 

 

 

Does Clark County require insurance with any film permit?
Yes, insurance is always required. State law requires that the insurance company must be a “company or an affiliate licensed in the United States and that the amount be shown in U.S. dollars in the amount of $1,000,000.00 (One Million Dollars),” and names the following as additional insured: Clark County and Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (LVMPD).
  1. Please use the following addresses in the “Certificate Holder” section:
    1. Clark County: 500 S. Grand Central Pkwy, Las Vegas, NV 89155
    2. LVPMD: 400 S. Martin Luther King Blvd., Las Vegas, NV 89106
When does Clark County require a "Hold Harmless Agreement"?
Always; hold harmless agreements must be submitted as part of any film permit application and it should be signed by location manager, production manager, or an authorized representative of the production.
Are there any exceptions to the film permit process for small productions?
No; there are no exemptions or exceptions from the film permit process.
I haven't decided on a film location, how do I apply for a film permit?
Film permits are issued based on the filming location and its jurisdiction. It is understandable that film companies may be unfamiliar with Las Vegas and may not know which jurisdiction their film location falls in. For example, you might be in one or all of the six (6) different jurisdictions. For additional help, you may contact the Nevada Film Office and review the Nevada Production Directory for location services or contact them at (702) 486-2711.

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