City Policies
A Phoenix Film and Digital Media Permit (FDM Permit) is required to film in city owned buildings, parks and public-right-of-ways within the defined boundaries of the City of Phoenix. The FDM Permit covers features, TV series and shows, commercials, web casts and still photography used for commercial use.
The permitting process for the City of Phoenix is a simple three (3) step process.
- Provide in writing your proposed Scope of Work. Please note, the submittal of your Scope of Work does not imply or give approval for your shoot. A representative from the Film Office will contact you within 24 business hours to discuss.
- Provide a certificate of insurance for $1 Million naming the City of Phoenix as additional insured.
- Submit the $100 permit fee.
FDM Permits will ONLY be issued once all three steps have been completed.
Arrangements for filming at all city facilities, hiring off duty personnel and rental of city equipment are coordinated by the Phoenix Film Office.
Airport Facilities
The city of Phoenix owns three airports; Sky Harbor International Airport, Deer Valley Airport and Phoenix Goodyear Airport. Filming is coordinated through the Film Office. Three to five working days notice is required.
Production companies are required to be under escort by off duty aviation personnel when filming at all aviation facilities. (Please review Film and Digital Media Permit Terms and Conditions).
The number of off duty personnel required for the shoot is determined once specific information has been provided by the production company and approved by Airport Authority. Filming at or beyond the security check point is not permitted.
Filming on ramp or tarmac requires $5 million against liability naming the city of Phoenix as additional insured.
Off duty Aviation Personnel rates are listed below and subject to change without notice:
Aviation Operations Supervisor - $45.00/hour, 3 hour minimum
Aviation Operations Assistant - $35.00/hour, 3 hour minimum
Other off duty Aviation personnel rates provided as needed.
Rate Information
OFF DUTY CITY PERSONNEL
All off duty personnel must be paid at the end of the shooting day unless payroll authorization is approved in advance through the Film Office. All personnel receive a three hour minimum. Once arrangements are made for off-duty personnel, Permittee will be required to pay all wages for off-duty personnel associated with a shoot unless the arrangements are cancelled at least one (1) business day (and a full 24 hours) prior to call time.
Rates are subject to change without notice
FACILITIES
Building Manager - $40/hour, 3 hour minimum
Electricians - $40/hour, 3 hour minimum
FIRE
Firefighters/paramedics - $40.00/hour, 3 hour minimum
Captain (supervisory capacity) - $45.00/hour, 3 hour minimum
Battalion Chief - $50.00/hour, 3 hour minimum
PARKS
Ranger - $30/hour, 3 hour minimum
POLICE
Officers - $40.00/hour, 3 hour minimum
Sergeant/Coordinator (supervisory capacity) - $45.00/hour, 3 hour minimum
Lieutenant - $50.00/hour, 3 hour minimum
Captain - $55.00/hour, 3 hour minimum
EQUIPMENT RENTAL RATES
Police and Fire will arrive on set in City vehicles which the Production Company will be billed for. City vehicles may not be used as picture cars unless permission is granted by the Phoenix Film Office.
Production Company will receive a bill from the Fiscal Department at the end of the following month. Rates are subject to change without notice. Please call for rate verification. 8.1% sales tax will be added to the equipment rental total. We recommend issuing a Purchase Order for your job for equipment billing as invoicing can take a month or more.
FIRE EQUIPMENT
Ambulance - $15.00/hour, $1.01/mile
Battalion Chief's Car - $10.00/hour, .95/mile
Brush Truck - $18.00, $1.90/mile
Engine (pumper) - $24.00/hour, 2.12/mile
Ladder Truck - $24.00/hour, $4.24/mile
POLICE EQUIPMENT
Cars - $7.00/hour, .95/mile
Motorcycles - $5.00/hour, .65/mile
Rates for additional equipment and personnel not listed above will be quoted on request.
Number of off duty personnel and required equipment is determined once specific information has been provided, Scope of Work is completed and permits have been obtained.
Revenue Producing Facilities
Standard use fees and separate contracts may apply. Examples of these locations are the Orpheum Theater, Symphony Hall, Convention Center, Municipal Baseball Stadiums, sport complexes, gymnasiums, etc.
Special Effects
FIREARMS/BLANKS
It is illegal to discharge firearms including blanks within the city limits. An off duty uniformed police officer is required on the set. Weapons must be inspected by the production company's weapons handler and the off duty officer prior to bringing onto the set. Dispatch will be notified by the officer prior to and after discharge of blanks.
FIRE/PYROTECHNICS
Special effects operators must have a federal ATF license and meet requirements of the Phoenix Fire Prevention Department in order to obtain a City of Phoenix special effects license and obtain permits. Permit fees vary. Please note this is an application, review and permit process, ample notice is required.
The number of off duty personnel and equipment is determined once permits have been obtained and specific information has been provided and Scope of Work is completed.
RAIN
A permit for a city of Phoenix water meter for fire hydrant hook up must be obtained from Development Services Department (DSD). DSD is located in City Hall, 2nd floor, counter 8. Be sure to bring billing information. The main number to DSD is (602 262 6551, option 1. The fee is $575.00.
DSD issues the permit for the meter; it takes 48 hours to install. Production companies must find a private backflow device certification company (listed in yellow pages) to inspect the meter before you can use the hydrant for rain. This certification process is required to make sure there is no backflow of water back into the water main that could contaminate city water. Once certified you can use the water from the hydrant but you must also make arrangements for it to be inspected by a city inspector. You can obtain specifics about this process when you obtain the permit from DSD. Contact info for removal of the meter will be on the permit.
RAIN WATER DISCHARGE
If you are making rain and/or discharging water into the storm drain system you must obtain a Temporary Storm Water Discharge Permit. The city of Phoenix has a storm drain system that empties directly into rivers and washes without being treated. The City of Phoenix requires that any person or business that has the potential to affect the quality of storm water is required to prepare a written Storm Water Management Plan.
Please contact the Phoenix Film Office at (602) 262-4850 for contact information and procedures. Please be aware that any violation of this City Code subjects Permittee to enforcement actions including but limited to monetary penalties.
Streets
Filming on major thoroughfares during rush hour traffic (6:00am to 9:00am and 4:00pm to 6:00pm) is not permitted. All street closure requests are subject to Street Transportation's approval. All street barricading and signage placement must be done by a licensed barricade company and set up according to the city of Phoenix Barricade Traffic Control Manual.
Miscellaneous Information
Arizona State Labor Department
Labor Laws and Youth Employment
800 W. Washington St.
Phoenix, AZ 85005
(602) 542-4515