Departmental Information

The City of Austin realizes and appreciates the value of the film industry. We hope the information below will make it easier for you to film in Austin.

Permits for Temporary Use of Streets and Sidewalks

The City of Austin requires a permit for using a street or sidewalk for filming in Austin.

• Applications must be submitted 2 to 3 days prior to filming, depending on the type of film. Applications can be requested through the Right of Way Management Approval Network at the www.austinroadworks.org website.
• There are no fees required for this permit.
• There is an insurance requirement of $500,000 of general liability insurance that lists the City of Austin as an additional insured.
• A traffic control plan must be submitted as a part of the permit application.
• A map of the area being permitted must also be submitted.
• Notification of affected property owners or residents is required.
• Notification of the Austin Police Department is required.

For other details about this permit, please contact Margaret Guerrero. She can be reached at 512-974-2217.

Facilities Use Form

If you have questions about a particular Facilities Use Form, please contact the specific department's liaison directly.

Police Department

The Chief of Police or a designee will determine and approve the number of officers and agents that are required for closures and adjacent areas related to filming.

• Line Officer - $52.00 per hour
• Police Detective - $66.00 per hour
• Police Corporal - $66.00 per hour
• Police Sergeant (Supervisor) - $72.00 per hour
• Vehicle Rental - $10.00 per hour

There is a 2 hour minimum per officer. When 5 or more Officers are hired, a Sergeant (as a supervisor) is required by Police Policy. For larger events, a supervisor is required for every 10 Officers hired.

Vehicles cannot be rented by themselves. The vehicle rental fees will not be charged if the use of a Marked Unit is not integral to the safety of the project being worked.

For other details about working with the Austin Police Department for filming, please contact Sgt. Jim Beck, APD Special Events at 974-8537.

Fire Department

The AFD Prevention Division involvement with the film industry movie shoots revolve around the required permits and inspections and/or standby requirements associated with open flame and pyrotechnic effects, and, the inspections and approvals associated with street closures. AFD Operations is also involved with supplying “extras” (fire personnel) and fire apparatus that may be needed in the actual film.

When street closures are part of the filming, a site plan is required by AFD and an inspection may be required depending on the obstructions to access or egress of any structure.

The following is required in order to obtain a permit for pyrotechnics or flame effects:

1. A $50.00 permit fee.
2. A State of Texas, Pyrotechnic or Flame Effects Operators License.
3. Permit applications submitted 14 days prior to the event
4. A list of the materials to be used along with and MSDS for each.
5. A certificate of insurance for General Liability Insurance for a minimum of $1,000,000.00 per occurrence combined single limit for bodily injury and property damage. The City of Austin must be named as an additional insured on the policy.
6. When required by the Assistant Fire Marshal, a test shall be conducted to demonstrate the safe use of flame/pyrotechnic special effects material prior to use
7. When necessary for the preservation of life or property, the Assistant Fire Marshal is authorized to require the attendance of standby personnel and fire equipment as set forth in Section 2501.18 of the Uniform Fire Code.

The following expenses are the responsibility of the Production Company and/or Pyrotechnic Operator: (Staff recommendation that all fees below be eliminated except for the standard overtime costs associated with the use of Fire Department personnel.)

• $139.05/hr. for each required apparatus standby
• $119.00/hr. for each fire inspector on required standby duties or on overtime inspections (2 hour minimum on overtime)
• $139.05/hr. for each film industry requested fire apparatus (staffed with AFD crew, “extras” paid separately

For other details about working with the Fire Department for filming, please contact Battalion Chief Don Smith. He can be reached at 512-974-0180.

Parks and Recreation Department

An overview, insurance requirements, and application form are available online at: http://www.ci.austin.tx.us/parks/reserve.htm, click on “filming."

Submit your completed application to: reservations@ci.austin.tx.us

Applications may be submitted in person to the Parks Office of Special Events located at:
200 South Lamar
Austin, Texas 78704
512)974-6792 (hotline)

For other details about working with the Parks and Recreation Department for filming, please contact Sonia Freeland. She can be reached at 512-974-6792.

Austin Water Utility / Water Service

The Austin Water Utility Customer Service Division can assist with your needs for temporary water service. The Austin Water Utility can set a water meter on a fire hydrant or on a customer’s vehicle; the customer’s need and service availability determine which approach works best. A permit and a deposit will be required for this service.

Usage: Commercial rates are billed per 1,000 gallons used and vary according to Inside City/ Outside City and Peak and Non-Peak rates.

Application forms and procedures are available on-line (PDF).

A water meter can be set on a fire hydrant or on a vehicle. A reduced pressure backflow prevention assembly is required for meters attached to a fire hydrant; the customer will be responsible for obtaining the assembly and paying to have it installed and tested by a certified tester. An air gap can be used in place of the reduced pressure backflow prevention assembly for meters on vehicles. There is no extra cost involved in maintaining an air gap.

For other details about working with the Water Utility for filming, please contact Alice Flora at 512-972-0024.

Austin Energy / Electricity

For any details about working with Austin Energy for filming, please contact Ingrid Weigand at 512-972-9521.

Insurance Requirements

Commercial General Liability insurance with a minimum limit of $500,000 per occurrence is required on most City of Austin property, with the City of Austin named as an additional insured. Other specific coverage provisions that are required by other permits, reservation agreements, or lease agreements for these City properties will also be enforced. For other details about insurance, please contact Carol Vance at 512-974-3264.

Austin Energy facilities have minimum requirements of $1,000,000 for certain liabilities. For more details about these Austin Energy requirements contact Ingrid Weigand at 512-972-9521.

Insurance Requirements for Filming at Austin Energy Facilities (PDF)

Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (ABIA) has minimum requirements of $5,000,000 for certain liabilities. For more details about these requirements contact Jason Zielinsky at 512-530-6618.

Insurance Requirements for Filming in Airport Operations Area (PDF)
Insurance Requirements for Filming Outside Airport Operations Area (PDF)

Public Information Office: Use of City Name and Logos

Contracts are required for use of the City of Austin's name/seal/logo. For other details about the use of the City’s name and logo, please contact the City of Austin Communications and Public Information Office at 512-974-2220.

Watershed Protection and Development Review Department

Through the Watershed Protection and Development Review Department, permits can be obtained for street closures, building permits (including electric and plumbing – may not be needed for temporary sets), demolition permits, historic review (if historic structures are proposed for changes), erosion and sedimentation controls (e.g. silt fence around areas of disturbance.)

For specific fee information, please go to: http://www.ci.austin.tx.us/development/downloads/bldg_fees.pdf. (PDF)

For other details about working with Watershed Protection and Development Review for filming, please contact Lynda Courtney at 512-974-2830.

Austin-Bergstrom International Airport

From MTV's The Real World to video news releases and print advertising, Austin-Bergstrom International Airport offers professional filming and photography opportunities. Visit the airport web site for a list of guidelines and to download an application form provided by the City's Department of Aviation. Please direct any filming and photography questions to Jason Zielinsky at 512-530-6618.

Office of the City Clerk: City Code / Ordinances

The Office of the City Clerk (OCC) can provide customers with copies of city ordinances and assist the public in finding information in the city code. OCC also has a vast contact list to assist in directing customers to the correct city department for additional information. For other details about working with the City Clerk's office for filming, please contact the OCC Research Staff at 512-974-2210.

Surplus City Property

For use of surplus City property, please contact Sam Dominguez at 512-974-1721.

Library Department

For fee questions, booking dates, information about the use of Library buildings, and any other questions about working with the Library Department for filming, please contact Patricia Fraga at 512-974-7528.

Health and Human Services Department / Animal Shelter

HHSD has facilities that might be available as film locations. In addition to the animal shelter, they have a 44 acre location where administrative functions are located. That location includes a few empty buildings and an unused basketball gym.

For other details about working with the Health and Human Services Department, please contact Bob Corona. He can be reached at 512-972-5002.

Solid Waste Services: Recycling Services

The Solid Waste Services Department offers FREE on-site location recycling of corrugated cardboard, plastic bottles, and aluminum cans. To set up recycling pickup services, call Solid Waste Services Customer Service at 512/494-9400. For other details about working with the Solid Waste Services Department for filming, please contact Deborah Salzman at 512-974-9038

Small Business Development Program

The Small Business Development Program (SBDP) is committed to providing opportunities and resources to small businesses to help them grow and prosper in a competitive business environment.

Our programs include:

• Business Solutions Center
  The Business Solutions Center (BSC) is a free service with dedicated space and staff to assist small business owners with technology and resources.

• Information and Referral
  SBDP serves as a clearinghouse of information to directly help business owners or refer them to the "right place."

• Technical Assistance
  SBDP has developed the BizAid Program to provide customized business solutions to transition entrepreneurs from one growth phase into another.

• Host Special Events
  SBDP hosts public special events annually, including "Meet the Lender" and Start-Up Conferences.

For other details about the Small Business Development Program services, please contact Vicky Valdez. She can be reached at 512-974-7620.

Department of Small and Minority Business Resources

It is the policy of the Austin City Council through Department of Small and Minority Business Resources (DSMBR) to provide equal opportunities to all contractors, and to redress the discrimination found in the City’s marketplace and in public contracting against minority- and women-owned business enterprises (MBE/WBE). The City seeks to encourage their full participation in all phases of City procurement activities and to afford them a full and fair opportunity to compete for all City contracts. The purposes and objectives of this department are as follows:

• To provide opportunities for MBEs and WBEs to broaden and enhance their range of capacities to do business with the City.

• To provide opportunities for MBEs and WBEs to serve as contractors and subcontractors for the supply of goods and services to the City.

• To administer this program in a manner consistent with applicable federal and state law.

DSMBR establishes procurement goals for the City departments that target minority- and women-owned business enterprises. Goals for MBE and WBE participation differ from contract to contract, based on the type of contract, the availability of MBEs and WBEs to perform the functions of the contract, and other factors. Minority goals may be either aggregate MBE goals or race-specific goals.

Our Program/Website includes:

• MBE/WBE Ordinance

• MBE/WBE Rules

• Vendor Search

• Application Compliance

For other details about working with the Department of Small and Minority Business Resources for filming, please contact John Zamarripa. He can be reached at 512-974-7738.