Film Production in Austin – City Permits
Does my film require a permit?
The City does not require a universal film permit to film in Austin; however, specific permits may be required if a production occurs in the right-of-way, in a City park, at the airport, or under other circumstances.
Determine if a permit is required for your production by contacting the City’s creative industries ombudsman Kim McCarson at 512-974-7963.
For general information on filming in Austin, visit the Austin Film Commission.
Types of Permits
Right-of-Way
- The City requires a permit for temporary use of the right-of-way (street, sidewalk, alley or parking lane) for all film-making activities including b-roll footage, still photography, commercial filming and student filming as well as blocking, directing, impeding, or rerouting of any and all traffic modes. To learn more, visit Right of Way Management.
City Parks
- To film at City parks, permitting inquiries must be made through Austin Parks and Recreation's Special Events Office; see the “Filming & Photo Production Shoots” section for detailed information or contact Jason Maurer, Special Events Office Manager, at reservations@austintexas.gov and 512-974-6797.
Austin-Bergstrom International Airport
- Filming at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) is temporarily on hold due to facility and staffing constraints. For questions, contact AirportInfo@FlyAustin.com.
Austin Public Library
- For fees, booking dates, information about facility use, and any other questions about working with Austin Public Library for filming, visit the Library's Film and Photography page. For questions, please contact the Library's Event Services Office at 512-974-7585.
Austin Center for Events (ACE)
- For larger productions in public spaces requiring such components as pyrotechnics and/or public gathering, refer to the ACE Event Planning Guide for detailed information.
Land Use Assistance
- Austin Development Services' Land Use Assistance (LUAssist) offers assistance and information about a wide variety of permits, including potential permits for building sets. For more information, visit LUAssist's One-Stop Shop.