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Do I need a film permit?
While filming (feature films, commercials, documentaries, student projects, television programming, music videos, still photography, public service announcements, or other filming/photography projects) in Everett, many activities require a Master Film Permit for the use of city streets, sidewalks, and public parking.
If your production meets any of the following criteria, you need a Film Permit:
- Pedestrian activity will be interrupted during filming
- Vehicle traffic will be interrupted on City streets during filming
- Public parking will be reserved or impacted
- A dolly, jib arm, light stand, generator, and/or other equipment will be used on a sidewalk, alley, or street
- Wires or cables will be run across streets, sidewalks, or pathways
- You are filming in a City park
- Your footage/photos are for commercial use
Do I need a permit to film on private property?
You do not need a film permit to film on private property unless you meet any of the following criteria:
- You need to reserve street parking spaces for working production vehicles
- You will be staging a generator or other equipment on public property, and/or will be running cables across sidewalks
- You need to work outside of regular business hours (7 a.m.-10 p.m. on weekdays, 9 a.m.-10 p.m. on weekends)
- You are performing stunts or using prop weapons within view of the public or adjacent properties
- You are depicting a crime within view of the public or adjacent properties
- Your work on private property will have an impact to the surrounding neighborhood
Do I need a permit to film or take photos in a City park?
Film Permits are required in City parks for filming or photography intended for more than personal use including commercial content, editorial content, student films, short films, and feature films. Film Permits are also required for personal projects that will have an impact to existing activity at the park.
In addition to a Master Film Permit, a Special Use Permit is required in the case of multi-day filming in an Everett Park or when a crew sets up a basecamp or craft food service location.
Contact the Parks Recreation Office at 425-257-8300 ext. 2 for a Special Use Permit (PDF).
What is a roving permit (B Roll) and how do I apply for one?
"Roving" Film Permits can be granted to productions filming b-roll, zero impact sidewalk scenes, and documentary-style footage at various public exterior locations throughout Everett. Productions that qualify for the roving permit must meet all of the following criteria:
- Five or less total cast and crew on-site at any one time
- One camera on-site
- Outdoor production only
- No traffic control required
- No interruption to pedestrian activity
- No electrical generation, wires, cables run, or lights set-up
- Public parking will not be impacted
Roving Permits do not require a damage deposit.
Roving Permits require Certificate of Insurance COI if the film budget is $10,000 or greater.
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Dan Eernissee
Economic Development DirectorPhone: 425-257-8681