Film, television or commercial productions, including digital, print, and streaming projects on City of Edmonton property may require a permit. This depends on the scope and scale of public impact and requirements for civic services support.
When a permit is required
Film permits are required for any professional production, such as, motion picture, television program, commercial, music video or large scale commercial still photography on City property, including parkland, roadways or sidewalks.
When a permit is not required
If you are filming for personal purposes, such as a family video at a birthday party or pictures for a family album, then a permit is not required. This includes professional photographers who shoot for a wedding, engagement, or family portraits.
A permit is not required to take professional or personal photos at an event. Use of event images for professional / commercial purposes requires permission from the festival and event organizer.
Parkland and Open Spaces Requests
If a permit is right for your project please fill out the application form below. Only fill out ONE application form. Include details for your entire project, including all anticipated locations, dates, and / or facilities. A City Liaison will contact you to discuss your request.
Inside of a Facility
To film inside or in close proximity to a City of Edmonton facility, such as a recreation centre, you may require permission from the management staff of that specific building. Call 311 or fill out a general 311 inquiry form to be directed to the correct individual.
On Edmonton Transit Service (ETS) Property
To film on ETS property, such as an LRT station, platform or parking lot, you are required to complete a Request to Vend Activities on ETS Property application.
The following information is required for all film and photography permit requests:
- Complete contact information and full mailing address, including postal code
- Anticipated date, time and location
- Anticipated number of crew and cast that will be on site
- A list of all equipment that will be on site (For example: lighting, tents, rigs, vehicles, tripods, monitors, dollies, cranes, drones)
- A brief description of the scene(s) to be filmed
- A site map indicating the area of production including the location of any infrastructure that will be on site
- A copy of the Certificate of Insurance for at least $2M with the City of Edmonton listed as Additional Insured
If using a drone or similar remotely piloted aircraft system (RPAS) during your filming project:
- Certificate of Insurance as listed above which also must include aviation or drone liability coverage
- Contact details for the drone pilot(s)
- Copy of Pilot’s Certificate (basic vs advanced) - Not required for Microdrone operation
- Copy of Drone Registration Certificate - Not required for Microdrone operation
- Map including flight path, safe areas with lateral distances, distance from the nearest Heliport, and launch/land zones
- A Special Flight Operations Certificate (SFOC) if flying at advertised events (Required for all drones, regardless of size) within 30.5 meters (100 feet) from the boundaries. Flying a drone at a festival or event requires permissions from the festival or event organizers. The City Liaison can coordinate drone flights at a festival or event once consent and permissions are granted.
- The boundaries of an outdoor advertised event (including, but not limited to, a concert, performance, festival, market, sporting event, fireworks) may be defined by perimeter fences and includes any restricted areas designated for event staff, volunteers, security, peace officers, and other approved personnel.
- Where no such perimeter is defined for outdoor advertised events, it is expected that the boundaries of the advertised event will be at least 30.5 meters (100 feet) from people participating in the advertised event and 30.5 meters (100 feet) from the track of the sporting event for all categories of drone/RPAS pilot certificates and models of drone/RPAS.
After submitting your application, your City Liaison will discuss additional permits which may include:
- A parking plan, including EPark zone numbers if applicable
- A list of any license plates and types of any trailers that need to be parked on any street longer than 24 hours
- Additional services such as, fire, public transit, police, noise permits, building, gas or electrical permits