Required before filming on city property or using city staff or equipment, and for any commercial drone work in city limits.
Lead time At least 10 business days before the main shoot day
Fees The commercial filming application is free
| Do you need one? | Required before filming on city property or using city staff or equipment, and for any commercial drone work in city limits. Contact the film office before filing. |
| Who issues it | Arlington Film Commission, in the city's Communication and Legislative Affairs department. Public Works issues traffic control permits, Parks & Recreation issues park photo and film permits, and the Fire Prevention Division handles pyrotechnics. |
| Lead time | At least 10 business days before the main shoot day. The city decides within 15 days of a complete application. |
| Fees | The commercial filming application is free. Some related permits carry fees; city property and staff costs are billed and due within 10 days, and deposits may be required. |
| Insurance | General liability of $1 million and auto liability of $1 million where applicable, naming the City of Arlington and its agents, officers, elected officials and employees as additional insured. Workers' comp or umbrella coverage may be required, and the city can raise limits. |
| Police, fire and traffic | The city may require police, fire or Public Works staff at the applicant's cost. Off-duty police and firefighters must be paid at least 1.5 times their hourly rate (base rate not published). Filming uniformed police or firefighters for commercial use needs city approval. |
| Street and lane closures | Street or sidewalk closures need a Public Works temporary traffic control permit, which may require a traffic control plan and notice to residents and businesses. |
| Telling neighbors | When a shoot touches city and private property, the city may require written notice and a Notice of Film Project and Comment Form to owners, tenants and residents, due within 10 days of the request. |
| Hours and noise | Filming hours are 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. weekdays and 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. weekends and holidays unless the city extends them in writing. Exterior lights, generators and other noisy equipment need on-site city inspection. |
| Drones | Commercial drone work needs the filming application plus copies of the pilot's FAA certificate, registration, insurance and FAA airspace approval. Arlington Police publish separate drone requirements, and the city airport handles controlled-airspace authorizations. |
| Also | Keep the Notice of Approval available for the whole shoot. A signed commercial filming liability waiver and, where relevant, a facilities use agreement go with the application. Use of the city name or logos needs separate approval. |
From the official pages: City of Arlington - Filming application and guidelines ↗︎. Rules and fees change; confirm with the office before you shoot. Not legal advice. Photo: Michael Barera, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons.