Filming in Palm Springs
Filming in Palm Springs is a popular choice for many filmmakers due to its stunning scenery and warm climate. The process of filming in Palm Springs typically begins with obtaining the appropriate permits and licenses from the city or county. This includes securing location permits, parking permits, and any necessary insurance.
Help Finding a Palm Springs Location
The next step is scouting for locations that fit the vision of the film or project. Palm Springs and the surrounding area offer a variety of unique locations, such as modern architecture, desert landscapes, and vintage buildings.
Need some assistance with location scouting? Contact an expert.
Greater Palm Springs Film Alliance
Locations Unlimited
Locations 760
Once the locations are selected, the production crew can begin setting up and preparing. This includes hiring local crew members, renting equipment, and creating a shooting schedule.
During filming, it’s essential to be mindful of the weather, as temperatures can reach over 100 degrees Fahrenheit in the summer months. It’s also important to be respectful of the community and residents by minimizing disruptions and adhering to noise ordinances.
Film Permits & Liability Insurance
Do I Need a Permit?
Yes. A Film Permit is required for all filming activity on both public and private property within the City of Palm Springs, unless you are filming in a licensed film studio.
How to Apply?
Step 1: Contact the Film Office
Call the Palm Springs Film Office at (760) 323-8272 to request an application or discuss your project. Applications should be submitted at least three (3) business days before your scheduled shoot. You may also download the permit application here.
Step 2: Obtain Insurance
Proof of $1 million in liability insurance is required, naming the City of Palm Springs, its officials, and representatives as additional insured.
Student projects must provide insurance through their educational institution. Download insurance requirements and sample forms here.
Step 3: Review & Regulations
The Film Officer will assess your project and determine if any special conditions apply, such as the need for:
- Law enforcement personnel (billed separately by Palm Springs Police Department)
- Fire safety advisers (reviewed by Palm Springs Fire Department)
- Additional applications may be required for fire services. Contact the Fire Department at (760) 323-8181 for more details.
General Filming Hours: 7 am - 10 pm
Notification: You must notify all residents and businesses within a 300-foot radius at least 72 hours in advance via written letter (do not place in mailboxes).
Your Notification Letter Must Include:
- Production company name
- Type of production (e.g., commercial, feature film)
- Production title
- Filming dates and times
- Description of filming activity and potential impact
- Contact information for both the production and the Film Office
- Required Note for Letter: "If you have any questions or concerns, please call (contact name) at (phone number), or the City of Palm Springs Film Office at (760) 323-8272."
Leave the letter at the front door if no one is home. Do not place it in mailboxes (federal law prohibits this).
Film Fees
| Production Type | Application Fee | Location Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Still Photography | $92 per production | $18 per day |
| Motion Picture/TV/Commercials | $184 per production | $49 per day or $245 per 7-day week |
Unique Filming Locations in Palm Springs
- Iconic midcentury modern homes
- Upscale resorts & fine dining
- Golf courses & tennis courts
- Palm Springs International Airport
- Palm Springs Stadium & Convention Center
- Desert and mountain vistas
- Botanical gardens
- Wind farms
- Casinos & Indian Canyons - Contact the Director of Public Relations, as this is on tribal land
- Contact the PR Manager for filming at the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, as this is not city property.
Download Forms
Contact the Film Office
Janice Lopez
Film Permit Officer
📞 (760) 323-8272
Janicel@palmsprings-ca.gov
Office Hours:
Monday–Thursday, 7:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Resource Websites:
Riverside County Film Commission
Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indian Properties
Filming Policies & Protocols
The City of Palm Springs welcomes film, television, photography, and commercial productions. This policy ensures filming activity enhances Palm Springs’ reputation as a creative hub while respecting residents, businesses, and public resources.
Traffic, Parking & Public Space
- Use of streets, sidewalks, or public rights-of-way requires additional approval.
- Street closures, traffic control, or ITC (Intermittent Traffic Control) must be coordinated with the Palm Springs Police Department.
- Crew vehicles must park only in designated areas. Cast and crew may not use residential streets for personal parking without permission.
Filming on Private Property
- Written consent from the property owner/manager is required.
- Filming that impacts neighboring properties still requires city permitting and community notification.
Filming on Tribal Land
-
Portions of Palm Springs are owned by the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians as tribal land. Productions must secure separate permission from the Tribe for filming on tribal land, including Indian Canyons, Tahquitz Canyon, or other Agua Caliente properties.
City Services & Staffing
- The City may require production to hire off-duty Police, Fire, or Public Works staff, depending on the scope and safety concerns.
- Additional costs will be billed to the production.
Prohibited Activities
- Pyrotechnics, explosives, or open flames without Fire Department approval.
- Drone use without FAA certification and City/Tribal approval.
- Filming that endangers the public, wildlife, or culturally sensitive locations.
After filming is complete, the production crew must clean up and restore any locations used back to their original condition.