Commercial film, music or video productions must file the city's filming application.
Lead time At least 3 business days for commercials, music videos and shorts
Fees $200 application fee plus a $500 security deposit, refunded two weeks after wrap if there is no damage
| Do you need one? | Commercial film, music or video productions must file the city's filming application. Any use of public streets, buildings, parks or rights of way needs city approval; private property needs the owner's written permission. |
| Who issues it | City of Smithville, Office of the City Manager, with the Smithville Area Chamber of Commerce film liaison. |
| Lead time | At least 3 business days for commercials, music videos and shorts; at least 5 business days for features and TV series. A copy of the script must reach the city for review at least 72 hours before the application. |
| Fees | $200 application fee plus a $500 security deposit, refunded two weeks after wrap if there is no damage. City property: $500 per day for a public building during business hours, $250 after hours; full street or lot closure $150 per day, partial $75 per day. Card payments carry a processing fee. |
| Insurance | At least $1 million general liability with a $2 million umbrella, plus $1 million auto if applicable, naming the City of Smithville as additional insured for the length of the production. |
| Police, fire and traffic | The production pays for any police, fire or public works staff assigned; off-duty officers and firefighters are paid 1.5 times their hourly rate. The City Manager can require more coverage. |
| Street and lane closures | Closures, traffic restrictions and use of public parking need city coordination, and may require police, traffic control and detour plans and professional signage. State highways need TxDOT coordination. |
| Telling neighbors | Affected businesses, owners and residents get a City Manager-approved schedule and sign a notification sheet approving or objecting to the location or closure. |
| Hours and noise | 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. weekdays; 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. weekends and holidays, unless approved in advance with owners notified. |
| Drones | Drones get additional city review. |
| Also | Texas's first city designated Film Friendly, in 2008. 2026 guide includes the application and a neighbor sign-off form. |
From the official pages: Smithville Area Chamber - Film commission ↗︎ · Smithville Film Friendly City Guide 2026 (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.