Right of Way Permits: Film

Beginning October 1, 2023, all film permit applications will be reviewed and processed by the Office of Special Events (OSE) in the Transportation and Public Works Department.  The requirements and processes will remain the same and be reviewed for updates in the coming months.  If you have any questions about the transition, please email TransportationSpecialEvents@austintexas.gov.

Resources

What requires a film permit?

Student or commercial filming activities from or in the right of way, including b-roll footage, still photography, and blocking, directing, impeding, or rerouting of any/all traffic modes. 

What do I need to know before applying for my Film Permit?

• You must provide the following documents:
  • The approved Austin Police Department (APD) Application.
  • A detailed map showing your filming location, including staged equipment and parking
  • Insurance
  • A Notification and Signoff Form delivered to all adjacent properties (i.e. property owner, manager, or resident)
    • Adjacent properties are those that are immediately next to an impacted area
    • Make at least two attempts to contact; if contact cannot be made then submit a statement noting the dates the attempts were made
    • This is NOT required when only performing b-roll activity
  • A Traffic Control Plan (TCP) and Letter of Intent from your barricade company, if performing any right of way closures
    • If an engineered TCP will be used, email TCPReview@austintexas.gov for review/approval.  Type "Film" at the beginning of the subject line.
• You must submit your request for APD approval a minimum of five (5) days in advance.
• You must submit your request for a film permit a minimum of three (3) days in advance.
• If you're filming on private property and parking is necessary, you must apply for a Parking Permit.
• If the date, time, or nature of the film activity changes, it will be necessary to update the APD Application and Notification and Signoff forms and redistribute them.

How is b-roll activity defined?

B-roll is defined as short-duration filming.  In the City of Austin, filming of 15 minutes or less, in one location, can be permitted as b-roll.  If only filming b-roll, then the Notification and Signoff process does not apply. 

When applying for a b-roll permit, do not list every impacted block/street segment.  Instead, list only the four properties that capture the boundary of your B-roll filming area: one property for the northernmost point, one property for the southernmost point, one property for the easternmost point, and one property for the westernmost point.  If capturing B-roll in the downtown area, use the following four properties:

• 101-118 E MLK Blvd
• 2239-2308 Barton Skwy
• 700-715 Chicon St
• 1300-1317 Newfield Ln

If capturing B-roll across the whole city, use the following four properties:

• 17100-17321 Ennis Trl
• 5600-5621 Boros Dr
• 10500-11911 Blue Bluff Rd
• 990-9917 Fallow Run

Read more about the requirements for b-roll in the "Film Considerations" document linked above. 

How do I apply for a Film Permit?

Read “How to Apply for Permits on the ABC Website”.  Log in to ABC to apply for the permit:

• Select "Apply for Right of Way Permits / Special Events" from the menu on the left side of the screen, then select "Right of Way" to view application options
• Description: Who, What, When, Where, Why, How
  • Example: ABC Film Co. will film an action scene from our movie “Big Trouble in Little ROW” at the 400 blk of Lavaca St between W 5th and W 6th St. Will use APD for all traffic control.  One camera truck and one still camera.  Filming will occur from 10pm-2am on 01/01/20-01/02/20.  
• Meter numbers you’ll be occupying