Everything You Need to Film in Boulder County

Few towns publish film-specific rules, so contact the town early, and ask the Film Commission if you are unsure.

• Unincorporated Boulder County: filming that uses a county road needs the county’s Events on County Roadways permit (opens in new tab), applied for at least seven days ahead.
• Longmont: filming that blocks streets, rights-of-way or public access to public property needs a Special Event Permit, applied for 30 days before filming. Filming only in a city park needs a Commercial Use Permit, requested at least 10 business days ahead. Drones are not allowed in Longmont parks or open spaces. Filming in Longmont (opens in new tab)
• Louisville: groups of more than 25 people using a City right-of-way, street or trail, including commercial groups, need a Permitted Special Event Application (opens in new tab), submitted at least 60 days ahead. Private activities in a park or open space use a Parks or Open Space Usage Permit (opens in new tab).
• Lafayette: the City lists a Community Event Permit and a Right-of-Way Permit on its Licenses, Permits & Forms (opens in new tab) page.
• Erie: all commercial activities and special events on Town of Erie property need a permit, and the Community Events Application (opens in new tab) is due at least 90 days ahead. Activities solely on private property are exempt.
• Superior: closing a Town street needs a Street Obstruction Permit (opens in new tab), received by Public Works at least 14 days ahead.
• Nederland: the Town’s Special Event and Public Assembly Application is on its Event Application Forms (opens in new tab) page.
• Lyons: an organized activity that uses or affects public property, parks, sidewalks, trails or streets needs a Special Event Permit application. See the Town’s Special Events (opens in new tab) page.
• Jamestown and Ward: we could not find filming or event permit information on these towns’ websites, so contact the town directly.

Check who owns or manages a location before you plan a shoot there. Each agency below sets its own rules.

• City of Boulder Open Space and Mountain Parks (OSMP): most filming needs an OSMP commercial use permit (opens in new tab) as well as a City of Boulder film permit (opens in new tab). Still photography needs only the commercial use permit. Drones are prohibited, filming signs are not allowed on City open space, and photography and filming are not allowed on the NCAR, NCAR Bear Canyon or NIST trails or on any trails on or leading into federal property.
• Boulder County Parks & Open Space: the county does not issue permits for commercial activity such as filming movies or commercials, and it does not consider drone permits for filming or photographing commercial activities. Individuals taking still photographs need no permit during open hours (sunrise to sunset) with fewer than 25 people. See the county’s Special Use Permits (opens in new tab) page.
• Eldorado Canyon State Park: commercial photographers need a Special Activity permit (opens in new tab) from Colorado Parks and Wildlife, submitted 90 days ahead, or an expedite fee may be charged or the permit denied. Drones are prohibited.
• Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests: email SM.FS.ARPLands@usda.gov with your dates, details and locations. Under the Forest Service’s national rules (opens in new tab), crews of five or fewer need no permit if they meet all the listed conditions, including hand-carried equipment only in areas open to the public; crews of six to eight can get a no-fee de minimis authorization; crews of nine or more need a special use permit.
• CU Boulder campus: filming or photographing on campus needs a university permit (opens in new tab), applied for at least 10 days before filming.
• State highways: filming that may significantly affect traffic on a state highway outside town limits needs a Colorado State Patrol special event permit (opens in new tab). Boulder County’s own road permit covers county roads only.

Denver International Airport (DEN) is the closest major airport to Boulder. Use these times to budget travel days. They are to the City of Boulder, so check the route if your base or location is elsewhere in the county.

• From downtown Denver: a 30 to 40 minute drive.
• From Denver International Airport: about 45 minutes by car on the toll-free route outside peak travel times. Congestion is common during the morning and evening commute, so we suggest allowing an hour then. The route is relatively flat, with no mountain passes. A toll route on E-470 and the Northwest Parkway takes about 40 minutes and is a good alternative at peak hours; if you are renting vehicles, arrange toll payment with the rental agency.
• Airport bus: RTD’s AB1, AB2 and AB3 buses run between Boulder and the airport about every hour, more often at peak times, and the ride takes roughly an hour and a quarter to an hour and a half. Check RTD’s Route AB1 Schedule (opens in new tab) for current times. Visit Boulder’s How to Get to Boulder, Colorado (opens in new tab) page has driving directions, bus stops, taxis and car services.
• Between locations: Boulder County gives you a wide range of looks, from high plains farmland to the Rocky Mountains, and a short drive can put you in a completely different setting. Browse Locations to see the range.
• Weather and seasons: Boulder has four distinct seasons. Visit Boulder notes that snow can fall as late as May and as early as late September, and that summer days can reach 100°F. See its Best Time to Visit Boulder (opens in new tab) guide before you pick dates.
• Roads and lodging: before a company move, check COtrip Road Conditions (opens in new tab) for state highways and Boulder County Road Closures and Construction (opens in new tab) for county roads. For crew housing, see Boulder Hotels and Lodging (opens in new tab).

Not sure how long a move between two locations will take? Ask the Film Commission.

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.

1. Production companies shall make every effort to notify all adjacent properties of relevant film activities at least five (5) days prior to filming.
2. Distribute notification in an area not less than one block in all directions from the area where you will be filming.
3. 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.
4. You are responsible for any fees associated with the notification process (including, but not limited to, printing, postage, labor distribution costs, etc.).
5. Include a “day of” contact during production days so cars can be moved, etc.

Filming on roads in unincorporated Boulder County also needs the county’s Events on County Roadways permit (opens in new tab), which asks for a notification plan. The county’s general notification requirements for these permits include written notice to adjacent property owners and advance signs at least seven (7) days before the event, so check with the county’s Office of Special Events which apply to your shoot.