Online Kern County Commercial Film Permit Application

Note: All projects will also require a permit (cost $100) from the Kern County Fire Department and certain projects may require additional fire permits. See the Kern County Fire Department Permit(s) section for details.

• All projects require a permit (cost $100) from the Kern County Fire Department.
• Some projects, such as projects involving stunts and pyrotechnics (including simulated gunfire), aircraft landings and takeoffs, interiors with large numbers of people, or large tents may require additional permits and/or fire safety officer resources from the Kern County Fire Department.
• When your Commercial Film Permit is finalized, a copy of your permit will be forwarded to the Kern County Fire Department, who will be following up with you within three (3) working days to coordinate the purchase of the base fire permit and to determine if you need additional permits issued by their department.

County-maintained roads are available for filming at the discretion of the Kern County Public Works Department.

Notes:

• Kern County Roads Department does not issue permits for state or federal highways, or for Kern County’s 11 incorporated cities (Arvin, Bakersfield, California City, Delano, Maricopa, McFarland, Ridgecrest, Shafter, Taft, Tehachapi, Wasco). Permits must be obtained directly from authorized agencies within those jurisdictions. To determine the jurisdiction for the desired road, please contact the Kern County Film Commission.
• All filming on Kern County-maintained roads requires an Event-Related Road Closure Permit issued by the Public Works Department. Additional Information

In addition to a valid Kern County Commercial Film Permit, Kern County’s 11 incorporated cities require specific civic permissions or permits.

A permit is required whenever filming takes place on state property. The California Film Commission is a one stop shop for State permits and will assist you in obtaining the required approvals from the CHP, Caltrans, State Parks, Facilities and the State Fire Marshal, where necessary.

Additional permits and fees may apply.

• If filming on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) property, see the BLM Film Permitting page and also the Kern County Film Commission Rates/Fees page.
• If filming on Forest Service property, see the Kern County Film Commission Rates/Fees page.

Department of Defense permission is required to film at Edwards Air Force Base (including Rogers Dry Lake) and China Lake Naval Air Weapons Center.