Filming and Still Photography

The City of Chino Hills welcomes production companies and photographers interested in filming or creating professional photography in our community. The Community Relations Division serves as the liaison for production companies, location managers, and permitting offices to ensure your project is processed in compliance with City requirements and your application includes all of the required details for timely processing.

When a Film/Photography Permit is Required

A City of Chino Hills Film Permit is required for any commercial filming or photography that:

  • Takes place on City property,  parks, facilities, and in the public right-of-way, such as streets, sidewalks, or open space.
  • Takes place on private property or in a local business, but impacts the public right-of-way (for example, production vehicles parked on City streets). Property owner approval is required.

Film Permits are not issued by the City for the County, State, Chino Valley Unified School District sites, or the Chino Hills State Park. You must contact those agencies directly for approval.

How to Apply

Completed Film Permit applications (PDF) must be submitted at least 5 to 7 days prior to your proposed production date. Depending on the scale of your project, some permits may be processed sooner, but applications will not be reviewed until all required documents are included.

Before You Apply Checklist

To avoid delays, make sure your application package includes the following, as outlined in the application:

  1. Completed application form with all required signatures.
  2. Production/Site Plan showing exact filming areas, staging, vehicles, etc. (Item 10 on the application)
  3. Traffic/Parking Plan showing cast/crew vehicles and traffic control (Item 11 on the application)
  4. Property Owner signatures, agreement, and/or HOA approval letter (if applicable)
  5. Certificate of Insurance with Additional Insured Endorsement
  6. Paid Filming or Still Photography Application Fee - Fees effective February 1, 2025 

Insurance Requirements

Insurance and not having a completed production or traffic plan are the most common reasons applications are delayed. Before a permit is issued, a Certificate of Insurance along with the Additional Insured Endorsement (PDF) must be submitted. The Insurance Certificate must be issued by an insurance underwriter "admitted" by the California Insurance Commission and rated "A" or "B+" by Best’s Key Rating Guide.Your Certificate of Insurance must include the following coverage:

  • Minimum $1,000,000 per occurrence and $2,000,000 General Liability Limit
  • Minimum $1,000,000 combined single limit Auto Liability
  • Minimum statutory limits Workers Compensation / Employer’s Liability $1,000,000 per accident or disease with waiver of subrogation endorsement in favor of the City of Chino Hills
  • $10,000,000 Aircraft Liability (when applicable)
  • City of Chino Hills, its Officers, Officials, Employees, Volunteers, and Agents named as Additional Insured
  • Appropriate City Employees named as Additional Insured (when applicable)
  • Additional Insured Endorsement (PDF)

The most common delay occurs when the Certificate of Insurance is not provided with the Page 2 "Additional Insured Endorsement". To expedite your application process, inform your insurance underwriter that you are required to provide the page 2 Endorsement as well as the Certificate of Insurance. See the sample provided below.

Chino Valley Fire District Film Permit Review

Some productions may also require a separate permit from the Chino Valley Fire District (CVFD). Productions using a generator, special effects, or certain lighting equipment almost always require Fire District approval. If you know you will be using this type of equipment, it is most time effective to submit your application to CVFD at the same time you submit your City application. Please visit the CVFD website for their Filming Permit Application or contact their office directly at (909) 902-5260. 

The Chino Hills State Park is a state park of California. The City does not issue permits for the Chino Hills State Park. Please apply directly through the California Film Commission.