Required for commercial use of city property, for commercial use of private property that may affect neighbors, and for any use of city equipment or staff.
Lead time At least 2 business days for ads, episodic TV and other work
Fees Use of public property follows the fee schedule in city code chapter 74 (amounts not shown on the policy page)
| Do you need one? | Required for commercial use of city property, for commercial use of private property that may affect neighbors, and for any use of city equipment or staff. |
| Who issues it | City of San Marcos Film Friendly Team, through the San Marcos Convention & Visitor Bureau; the City Manager may authorize uses. |
| Lead time | At least 2 business days for ads, episodic TV and other work; at least 5 business days for feature films. |
| Fees | Use of public property follows the fee schedule in city code chapter 74 (amounts not shown on the policy page). Staff and equipment costs are billed and due within 10 days; deposits may be required. |
| Insurance | At least $1 million general liability with a $5 million umbrella, plus $1 million auto if applicable, naming the City of San Marcos and its agents, officers, elected officials and employees as additional insured. |
| Police, fire and traffic | Police, fire and public services staff may be assigned at the production's cost; off-duty officers are paid at least 1.5 times their hourly rate. |
| Street and lane closures | Street use needs authorization; a separate city temporary street closure application applies. |
| Telling neighbors | A team-approved written schedule must go to affected owners, tenants and residents, with a signed comment report filed with the application. The permit can be denied on that feedback. |
| Hours and noise | 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. weekdays; 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. weekends and holidays, unless the City Manager approves in writing and neighbors are told. Generators and exterior lights need approval. |
| Also | Contact the Film Friendly Team before applying. The application needs a vehicle and equipment report, the neighbor report and an insurance certificate. |
From the official pages: Visit San Marcos - Film ↗︎ · Visit San Marcos - Film policy ↗︎ · City of San Marcos - Temporary street closure application (PDF) ↗︎. Rules and fees change; confirm with the office before you shoot. Not legal advice. Photo: Larry D. Moore, CC BY 4.0, Wikimedia Commons.