Standard Disclaimer
FilmLA has gathered the location filming information in this article as a service to the entertainment industry. It is updated regularly, but also subject to change. FilmLA cannot and does not guarantee that the information contained here is at any time complete and without error. By using this site, you acknowledge these limitations and agree that neither FilmLA, nor its predecessors, successors, partners, affiliates, directors, officers, employees, agents or representatives shall be liable for any reason for damages of any nature (including special, incidental, compensatory, consequential or punitive) to any individual or entity who uses or relies on the information contained here for any purpose. Factual errors may be reported to FilmLA using the links provided at the bottom of the article.
Filming in the LA River Bed
Productions wishing to film in the LA County River must have a valid film permit, in addition to satisfying other requirements. This article is intended to provide you with general information regarding filming in the LA River. To discuss your plans in detail, reach out to FilmLA Solution Services or email us at info@filmla.com.
LA River Oversight
Oversight of the LA River is divided between Los Angeles County Flood Control and the US Army Corps of Engineers.
The LA River runs through many other jurisdictions along its path to the sea. Numerous other agencies and jurisdictions have property along the river and could be involved in approving filming requests, depending on the specific area you plan to use. FilmLA's Solution Services team can help determine who controls an area if you are not certain which agency has oversight.
The Army Corps of Engineers is the approving entity for filming permits in the most popular LA River filming locations throughout Downtown Los Angeles.
US Army Corps of Engineers - Film Permits
Area Filming Requirements, LA County
Application & Timing
To film in the LA River you must apply for a filming permit online via MyFilmLA. The deadline to submit your permit for the LA River is 10:00 a.m., five (5) business days prior to your first activity date. We always recommend allowing additional time, especially for complex requests or exceptional activity.
Note: LA County Flood Control is closed every Friday, so Fridays are not considered business days when calculating permit deadlines for sections of the river overseen by LA County Flood Control.
Scouting
Entering the LA River Bed at any access point is potentially dangerous. Productions assume all risk for location scouting activities.
Scouting the LA River Bed requires identifying a legal access point, so first you need to determine which entity has oversight over the area of the river you wish to scout. It should be noted that some areas of the river may not have convenient access points.
Army Corps of Engineers Areas: Can be accessed via any legal access points. Prior to scouting, it is strongly advised that productions notify the local police or LAPD division. The legal access point most used to access the river in Downtown Los Angeles is at 475 N. San Fernando Rd.
LA County Flood Control Areas: For any LA County Flood Control properties, location scouts must apply and pay for a “Flood Access Permit” via the County’s EpicLA website.
Allowable Activities
Most standard filming activities are allowed in the LA River Bed, but there may be limitations depending on the area you plan to use and when you are filming.
The time of year, water levels, forecasted rain, or recent rain activity all have an impact on what activities will be approved.
All activity is approved on a case-by-case basis.
US Army Corps of Engineers - Standard Filming Conditions
Actual or Forecasted Rain During Filming
Filming activity is not allowed in the LA River within five (5) days of rain or a forecast of rain (i.e. 5 days before or after).
Personnel Requirements
Although not an automatic requirement, public safety personnel from the local police or fire department may be assigned to your production depending on the details of your shoot. Approvals and personnel assignments are handled on a case-by-case basis.
Avian Biologist Requirement
As part of a diverse ecosystem, the LA River is home to many birds, including protected species. The nesting fledglings and eggs may be disturbed by production activity.
The period between March 15th and September 15th is designated as bird breeding season. Proposed filming during these months may require clearance from an independent avian biologist. Productions seeking permits to use the LA River for filming are responsible for hiring and Avian Biologist to perform this survey, and cover the related cost. The overseeing jurisdiction will determine if the biological survey is required.
FilmLA is unable to estimate the total cost for this service. However, we can help you find a list of certified consultants.
Filming-Related Fees
Your total cost to film in the LA River Bed is determined by the area you plan to use and your intended filming activities. The Army Corps of Engineers does not automatically assess any fees for river use, however issuance and use fees are always due to LA County Flood Control for filming and base camp / crew parking use. These fees are payable directly to Flood Control and cannot be waived for non-profit organizations or student filmmakers.
Higher-impact activities could incur additional fees for personnel, extended notification, or other services required.
Common Fees, LA County
FilmLA Basic Fees List
Below are the most common fees assessed by this jurisdiction. Additional application, use, or personnel fees may apply based on location or scope of activity for this jurisdiction. Any fees not directly collected by FilmLA on behalf of the municipality through the film permit must be paid directly to the service provider. FilmLA makes every effort to publish the most up to date fees for these municipal service providers, however fees are subject to change at their discretion.
FilmLA Basic Fees List
| Fee Type | Rate | Per |
|---|---|---|
|
Permit Application Fee Up to 5 Locations, 7 Consecutive Days |
$931 | Permit |
|
Permit Rider Fee During Business Hours |
$148.75 | Rider |
|
Permit Rider Fee After Business Hours |
$208 | Rider |
|
Still Photo Application Fee* Cast/Crew of 16+ Requires Motion Rate |
$104 | Permit |
| Still Photo Rider Fee | $31 | Rider |
| Student Permit Fee (simple) | $52 | Permit |
| Student Permit Fee (complex) | $134 | Permit |
| Non-Profit (PSA) Permit App Fee | $73 | Permit |
| Non-Profit (PSA) Permit Rider Fee | $36 | Permit |
|
Notification Fee Base Radius |
$232 | Radius |
| Lane Closure Administration Fee | $78 | Involved Location |
| Gunfire Administration Fee | $78 | Involved Location |
| Special FX - Explosion & Smoke Administration Fee | $78 | Involved Location |
| Drone Administration Fee | $78 | Involved Location |
| Helicopter Administration Fee | $78 | Involved Location |
|
FilmLA Monitor Fee** Minimum Applies. Subject to OT and DT. Standard Arrival: 1 Hour Prior to Permit Start Time. |
$44.50 | Hour |
* Still photo productions with a cast / crew size of 16 or more people will incur the Motion application fee. Any B-roll or motion filming in conjunction with a still photo shoot will also incur the Motion rate. Additionally, for crews of this size or larger, a LAFD Spot Check Surcharge will also be assessed.
** The FilmLA monitor service is charged in hourly increments based on time at location. For example, if monitor service is required from 6am-10pm, the breakdown of service hours would be 8 Regular hours, 4 overtime hours, and 4 double time hours to cover the service, whether completed by one or multiple monitors.
Common Fees, LA County
| Fee Type | Rate | Per |
|---|---|---|
| LA County Fire - Filming Review Fee | $343.30 | Permit |
|
LA County Fire - Still Photography Review Fee For Shoots Involving 16+ People |
$277.00 | Permit |
| LA County Fire - Special Effects Permit Fee | $350 | Involved Location |
|
LA County Fire Safety Advisor (FSA) Paid directly to provider and not collected by FilmLA. |
$63.51 | Hour (4hr minimum, OT/DT Applies) |
|
LA County Fire Safety Officer (FSO) Paid directly to provider and not collected by FilmLA. |
$201.82 | Hour (4hr minimum, Flat Rate: No OT/DT) |
| LA County Roads - Inspection Fee (Use) | $468 | Day |
| LA County Roads - Encroachment Permit Processing Fee | $387 | Area |
| LA County Roads - Application Fee (Issuance) | $214 | Involved Location |
| LA County Beaches - Filming Use Fee | $400 | Day |
|
LA County Beaches - Still Photography Use Fee For Shoots Involving 1-15 People |
$100 | Day |
|
LA County Beaches - Prep / Strike Fee Basic Rate, Applies to First 3 Days of Activity |
$100 | Day |
|
LA County Beaches - Prep / Strike Fee - Extended Applies to Beginning 4th Day of Activity |
$400 | Day |
|
LA County Lifeguards Paid directly to provider and not collected by FilmLA. |
$230 | Hour (4hr min. if beach open, 8hr min. if beach closed) |
| LA County Parks - Filming Use Fee | $400 | Day |
| LA County Parks - Still Photography Use Fee | $100 | Day |
|
LA County Parks - Prep / Strike Fee Basic Rate, Applies to First 3 Days of Activity |
$100 | Day |
|
LA County Parks - Prep / Strike Fee - Extended Applies to Beginning 4th Day of Activity |
$400 | Day |
| LA County Building / Facility Filming Use Fee | $400 | Day |
|
LA County Building / Facility Still Photography Use Fee For Shoots Involving 1-15 People |
$100 | Day |
|
LA County Building / Facility Prep / Strike Fee Basic Rate, Applies to First 3 Days of Activity |
$100 | Day |
|
LA County Building / Facility Prep / Strike Fee - Extended Applies to Beginning 4th Day of Activity |
$400 | Day |
| LA County Flood Control Permit Issuance Fee | $174 | Permit |
|
LA County Flood Control Use Fee Applies to All Prep, Strike, Still Photo & Filming Days |
$1,181 | Day |
|
LA County Sheriff Officer Paid directly to provider and not collected by FilmLA. |
$95.11 | Hour (6hr min, Flat Rate, + Mileage @ $1.22 per mile) |
|
California Highway Patrol Officer Paid directly to provider and not collected by FilmLA. |
$105.91 | Hour (4hr min, Flat Rate, + Mileage @ $1.45 per mile) |