Do I Need a Permit?
We’re excited that you’re considering – or have already chosen – Boulder and Boulder County as a filming location! We understand that film and video productions may take place within a short planning timeframe and may involve a number of locations that include public and private property. This website offers you tips and tricks on where to go, who to contact, and best practices when filming here, including assisting you in obtaining the proper authorization to film within the City of Boulder and Boulder County, as well as providing an extensive directory of the talented crew and support services that make our local film industry so successful!
The Boulder County Film Commission would like to start helping you right away, so please fill out this short form and we’ll get the wheels in motion before you can say “It’s that easy?”
Film permits are required for any film/video/photo shoots done on public lands. Trails and Open Space will require additional fees.
Do I Need A Film Permit?
- A permit is required when filming on City of Boulder property.
- A City permit is NOT required when filming on private property.
- Drone filming requirements and prohibited areas can be found at: https://bouldercolorado.gov/services/drone-use
Additional Resources
Still have questions?
Incentives
The Colorado Film Incentive encourages film production in Colorado with a performance-based rebate for up to 20% of qualified expenses. The incentive creates jobs for Coloradans and provides on average a 35-to-1 return on investment for the economy. The films also promote Colorado as a tourism destination.
- Feature films
- Television pilots and series
- Television commercials
- Music videos
- Corporate and industrials
- Documentaries
- Video game design and creation
Resident Notification Requirements
We’re happy to have you filming in Boulder County and we want our residents to feel the same way! Successful filming conducted in Boulder County has resulted from residents feeling like they were given adequate notice and information about filming schedules and neighborhood disruptions. Please follow the procedures outlined below when notifying residents and businesses in the area of filming activity.
- Production companies shall make every effort to notify all adjacent properties of relevant film activities at least five (5) days prior to filming.
- Distribute notification in an area not less than one block in all directions from the area where you will be filming.
- Failure to properly notify residents or to make reasonable accommodations to mitigate your impact on a neighborhood or business district may result in cancellation of your permit.
- You are responsible for any fees associated with the notification process (including, but not limited to, printing, postage, labor distribution costs, etc.)
- Include a “day of” contact during production days so cars can be moved, etc.
Drones
Will you be using an unmanned aircraft system (UAS/drone)? First, we recommend that you contact the airport if you plan to fly the drone within 5 miles of the Boulder Municipal Airport.
- (303) 441-3108
- bma@bouldercolorado.gov
In addition to following all FAA rules, people flying drones commercially must also obey the following city regulation:
- You may not launch, land or otherwise operate any unmanned motorized vehicle from or on any City of Boulder Open Space and Mountain Parks land.
Drones in Boulder County Parks and Open Space
If you’re hoping to operate a drone from or fly a drone over Boulder County Parks and Open Space, please check with the county to make sure you’re following their regulations. Also, before operating a drone on any school or university grounds, please make sure to check with the school to make sure you’re operating safely and legally. Current City of Boulder ordinances and regulations enable the City Manager to allow Open Space and Mountain Parks to launch and land unmanned vehicle aircraft from city open space land for public land management, wildlife management, search and rescue or public safety purposes.
Boulder County Film Commission © 2022
P.O. Box 4061
Boulder, CO 80306
Photos on website provided by Brook Aiken & Bruce Henderson
Website Created in Collaboration with The Marketing Handyman