Filming Here

They’re FREE unless there is already a fee levied for the use of the space. For instance, county campground sites and our Veteran Halls have a use fee. A production would be expected to pay these. The vast majority of county-owned properties do not charge use fees.

Yes, on a case-by-case basis, depending on the county-owned location and the production’s impact. The production company may be charged for staff time and equipment. Most basic productions do not incur these charges (i.e., dialogue only, small cast & crew, no stunts or traffic impact, pyro, SFX, late night filming, animals, monitors required, etc.).

You can assume the answer is YES. But which permitting office? Lake Tahoe is very large (approx. 21 mi x 12 mi). The lake straddles two states: the western half is in California; the eastern half is in Nevada – and split between three counties. There are also multiple Federal, State, County, and City jurisdictions around the lake, some with regulations also affecting private property. Please contact the Film Office.

1. County-owned locations & properties including County roads, buildings, and lands.
   + Insurance – the production company provides specific Proofs of Insurance to the County.
   Details: Placer County Insurance Policy for Filming: General Insurance Policy for filming.

2. Locations in unincorporated Placer County including private properties.
   Insurance goes to the property owner, per their insurance requirements. FYI – the Lake Tahoe area within our County’s border is unincorporated, however there are also State & Federal lands and properties in this area and they have their own permit & insurance requirements.

Yes, if the private property is in the unincorporated area of the County.

Generally, a County film permit is not required if the location is owned by another government jurisdiction because they have their own permit requirements. There may be exceptions: for instance, if you are filming in the Tahoe National Forest and have a film permit from them, but also want to film on a County road going through their forest lands, you need a County film permit to film on the County road.
Some of the government jurisdictions within our county borders include: 

1. Federal lands and facilities such as the US Forest Service & Bureau of Reclamation; 
2. State lands & facilities such as buildings, beaches, fairgrounds, parks & recreations areas.
3. Our six incorporated cities of Auburn, Colfax, Lincoln, Loomis, Rocklin, Roseville have their own film permitting processes. For more on these: (See City Contact on Film Permit Page)

It varies because every production is different. We have a goal of 24 – 48 hours, not including holidays and weekends for the most basic productions. We recommend contacting the Film Office in advance of submitting your complete application in case the review process brings up any special provisions or requirements that must be met prior to the permits being issued.

Start Here

Some Basics

• Filming at this location is allowed on a case-by-case basis.
• It is a functioning State Superior Courthouse, operating in a County-owned building; the building also houses a County Museum. 
• Court use and court activities are not altered to accommodate a production’s needs. This is also generally true regarding public access to the museum rooms.
• Weekend filming is less restrictive because the courtrooms are not in use, however the museum spaces are open to the public.
• Production must scout the facility in advance with County staff prior to submitting an application. A checklist will be provided to production to assist with the scout and application process.
• Plan extra lead time for this location.
• Historic Courthouse/Superiors Court Filming Policy

This annual 100-mile race is held in July. The race starts in North Lake Tahoe and finishes in Auburn, CA, crossing multiple permitting jurisdictions. Requests for filming this event start with the race organizers. Please contact the Film Office for race contacts.

This is an annual 100-mile horse race held in August. The race starts in North Lake Tahoe and finishes in Auburn, CA, crossing multiple permitting jurisdictions. Requests for filming this event start with the race organizers. The Film Office can provide race contacts.

1. Winter weather in Tahoe means snow and ice, as well as beautiful, snowy days on the ski slopes. Don’t be fooled by the beautiful weather in the foothills and valleys. There will be snow in Tahoe!
2. Please make sure your personnel, equipment and vehicle are ready for winter/cold conditions. Bring winter coats, boots, and chains for your vehicle, as needed.
3. There is no parking allowed on the shoulders/sides of roads from Nov 1 – May 1 to accommodate snow removal equipment. 
4. The Film Office can put you in touch with many Tahoe-based local crew members, that are experienced working in cold weather conditions. Ask about specialized equipment available for winter conditions. Please contact the Film Office.