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Filming on City streets and neighborhoods is coordinated through the Napa Chamber of Commerce and the Napa Valley Conference & Visitors Bureau, which makes referrals to other City departments depending on the particular needs of any given production. The foundation of all projects approved to film in the City of Napa or on City property is the submission of a Film Permit Application, insurance certificate and payment of use fees.
Napa Ordinance 02005 19, which amends Chapter 5.74 of the Napa Municipal Code was passed on the 13th of December 2005. The Municipal Code 5.74.040.
5.74.040 Permit Required.
A. It is unlawful to conduct a filming activity as defined in Section 5.74.030B without first obtaining a film permit from the Community Resources Director. (Ord. No. O98-002, Enacted, 03/04/1998)
B. No person shall use any public or private property, facility or residence for the purpose of taking commercial motion pictures or television pictures or commercial still photography without a permit.
C. Exemptions: The provisions of this Chapter shall not apply to or affect the following:
1. News Media. Reporters, photographers, cameramen in the employ of a newspaper, news service, or similar entity engaged in on-the-spot broadcasting of news events concerning those persons, scenes or occurrences which are in the news and of general public interest.
2. Personal Video/Still Photography. The filming or video taping of motion pictures or still photography solely for private personal use.
3. Commercial Still Photography. Weddings, school pictures, and organized sports or clubs pictures.
CONDITIONS OF FILMING
Film projects may require security officers depending on the complexity of a shoot, the need for traffic control or whenever the City of Napa or NPD deem it necessary.
Street parking for film shoots must be posted 72 hours prior to the posting going into effect.
Projects requiring street/lane closures and or intermittent traffic control require coordination with the NPD.
The hours of filming in residential areas are restricted from 10:00pm to 7:00am. Night shoots are permitted during the restricted hours with the consent of the film office, pending the submission of a completed signature survey. Parking in commercial areas may have restrictions during commute hours.
Residents shall be notified in writing 72 hours before shooting in a residential neighborhood. Neighborhood Notification fliers must include the company, shooting times, and the name, address, and phone number of the company’s local office or representatives. Notification fliers must be submitted to the film office prior to their distribution.
Meals shall not be eaten on public right-of-way, including sidewalks. Productions must secure an off street location for catering and craft service.
Production companies are required to provide the Film Liaison and the NPD with copies of shooting scripts and location schedules.
No littering is permitted and all garbage must be cleaned up completely when leaving the location.
The public shall not be deprived egress or ingress to private or public property (no blocking driveways, alleys, doorways, handicapped access).
Please contact the Film Liaison for more details and necessary forms. Forms will be available online in the future.
NEED A LOCATION IN NAPA?
Contact our member Location Manager Joe Madalena at (707) 481-6024 or visit www.primefilmsites.com, the largest database of Prime Film Locations in Northern California.
SCOUT NAPA VALLEY
Patrick Sprinkel
(707) 888-8565
www.scoutnapavalley.com
A full service location scouting, production and location management business owned and operated by local Yountville resident Patrick Sprinkel, specializing in premiere and exclusive Napa Valley homes, properties and production locations for the still photography/video/film industry. Please contact Patrick Sprinkel by phone or visit for access to the extensive on-line library and a comprehensive description of scouting and production services.
