FAQ
Malibu Film Permit
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Do I Need a Permit?
All production companies are required to obtain a film permit to shoot in the City of Malibu. Please refer to the Who Permits What PDF for specific details on the type of permit required for your production.
For students: Student filmmakers do not require a film permit; however, they must carry their student ID with them at all times while filming. Additionally, students must respect private property boundaries and are prohibited from entering or filming on private property without permission.
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How do I apply for a film permit in Malibu?
To apply for a film permit, you must submit an application. The process includes providing details on your production, such as location, crew size, and safety plans. Please fill out the Film permit application. You can submit the permit request via email (filming@sws-inc.com) or by contacting our team for assistance. We have a copy of the permit application on our Filming page.
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How Long Does It Take to Get a Permit?
Generally, film permits have a 2 business day turnaround. However, if signatures or drone approvals are required, the processing time may extend to 5 business days.
We do not recommend submitting permit applications with less than 2 business days’ notice. In some cases, we can expedite permits for an additional late fee, depending on the complexity of the request.
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What are the general requirements for filming in Malibu?
Production companies are required to adhere to local regulations, including compliance with city ordinances, safety protocols, and environmental guidelines. Additionally, you must follow the instructions given by the LA County Fire and Sheriff’s Departments during your production. We also recommend securing parking or location usage permits ahead of time to avoid delays. You must also have insurance and endorsement made out to The City of Malibu.
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How Much Does a Permit Cost?
Permit fees vary based on factors such as the type of filming (still photography, b-roll, or motion), the number of filming days, special effects, and required signatures. Most permits include an application fee, a per-day filming fee, and a fire fee (if the crew size is large enough to require fire safety personnel).
For a detailed breakdown of permit fees, please refer to our Fee Schedule PDF
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Can I Film on the Beach?
Filming on beaches in the Malibu area requires obtaining the appropriate permits from the relevant authorities:
County Beaches: For beaches under Los Angeles County jurisdiction, such as Zuma Beach and Surfrider Beach, a dual permit is required. This includes approval from both Film L.A. and the City of Malibu. Film L.A. coordinates film permits for Los Angeles County beaches, while the City of Malibu manages permits within its city limits.
State Beaches: For state-owned beaches, such as Leo Carrillo State Park and Malibu Lagoon State Beach, permits are managed by the California Film Commission (CFC). The CFC coordinates with state park staff to issue film permits for state parks and beaches.
For detailed information and to apply for permits, please contact the respective authorities:
Los Angeles County Beaches: Film L.A. at (213) 977-8600.
State Beaches: California Film Commission at (323) 860-2960.
Always ensure you have the necessary permits and approvals before commencing any filming activities on beaches.
FAQ
Agoura Hills Film Permit
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Do I Need a Permit?
All production companies are required to obtain a film permit to shoot in the City of Agoura Hills.
For students: Student filmmakers do not require a film permit; however, they must carry their student ID with them at all times while filming. Additionally, students must respect private property boundaries and are prohibited from entering or filming on private property without permission.
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How do I apply for a film permit in Agoura Hills?
To apply for a film permit, you must submit an application. The process includes providing details on your production, such as location, crew size, and safety plans. Please fill out the Film permit application. You can submit the permit request via email (filming@sws-inc.com) or by contacting our team for assistance. We have a copy of the permit application on our Filming page.
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How Long Does It Take to Get a Permit?
Generally, film permits have a 2 business day turnaround. However, if signatures or drone approvals are required, the processing time may extend to 5 business days.
We do not recommend submitting permit applications with less than 2 business days’ notice. In some cases, we can expedite permits for an additional late fee, depending on the complexity of the request.
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What are the general requirements for filming in Malibu?
Obtain a film permit from the City of Agoura Hills. Provide insurance with minimum coverage of $1,000,000 per occurrence and $2,000,000 aggregate. Obtain permission from property owners for private property filming. Comply with safety, traffic control, and noise regulations. Follow environmental guidelines and leave filming locations clean. Film within designated hours (typically 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM). Submit safety plans or signage as required.
For detailed information, refer to the Agoura Hills Film Permit Application.
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How Much Does a Permit Cost?
Film Permit Fees for Agoura Hills
Motion Filming
Application Processing Fee: $434.00
Per Day: $412.00
Cancellation Fee: $434.00
Revision/Rider: $100.00
Still Photography
Application Processing Fee: $100.00
Per Day: $150.00
Cancellation Fee: $100.00
Revision/Rider: $50.00
Road Use and Additional Fees will be determined by film staff on a case-by-case basis, depending on the specifics of each permit.
LA County Fire Department
Motion: $282.00
Pyro: $288.00
Paid directly to the LA County Fire Department.LA County Sheriff
Fees to be determined before shoot
Paid directly to the LA County Sheriff.Note: Additional fees may apply based on the number of people and areas used, as determined by staff.
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Any More Questions?
For further inquiries or assistance, please contact us at:
Phone: (805) 495-7521
Email: filming@sws-inc.com
FAQ
Solid Waste/Hazardous Waste
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Does SWS inc collect waste/Household Hazardous Waste
No! SWS does not take waste but we can help you properly dispose of your unwanted goods. Please see below:
Household Hazardous & E-Waste Disposal
Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) and Electronic Waste (E-Waste) require special disposal due to their toxic effects on the environment. They cannot be disposed of in regular trash, recycling, or green waste bins.
Bi-Monthly Hazardous Waste Program
Who Can Come: Open to residents of Agoura Hills, Calabasas, Hidden Hills, and Malibu.
What to Bring: Motor oil, oil filters, anti-freeze, latex paint, car batteries.
What NOT to Bring: Oil-based paint, pesticides, unused pharmaceuticals, mercury thermometers, and more.
Schedule:
Agoura Hills: 1st Saturday (March, July, Nov.) | 30001 Ladyface Ct., Agoura Hills | Contact: (818) 597-7300
Calabasas: 2nd Saturday (Jan, Mar, May, July, Sept, Nov.) | 101 Civic Center Way, Calabasas | Contact: (818) 224-1600
Malibu: 3rd Saturday (Feb, Apr, June, Aug, Oct, Dec.) | 23825 Stuart Ranch Rd., Malibu | Contact: (310) 456-2489
Time: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Agoura Hills Door-to-Door Residential Collection Program
Free service for Agoura Hills residents to collect HHW/E-Waste monthly.
To Schedule go to: https://www.wmatyourdoor.com/residential/
Or call: 1 (800) 449-7587
For issues, contact Solid Waste Solutions at (805) 495-7521.
E-Waste Disposal Options Nearby:
Tempus (formerly PC Recycle): 2001 Anchor Court, Newbury Park, CA 91320 | Fee: $25 for residents | Contact: (805) 499-0050
Best Buy: 23647 Malibu Rd., Malibu, CA | Hours: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM | Contact: (310) 456-6123
Goodwill (E-Waste Drop-Off): 1600 E. Hillcrest Dr., Thousand Oaks, CA | Hours: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM | Contact: (805) 446-1280
Other Waste Disposal Locations:
Used Oil & Filters: Jiffy Lube, 29162 Roadside Dr., Agoura Hills, CA | Contact: (818) 991-9090
Batteries: Agoura Hills Library, 29901 Ladyface Ct., Agoura Hills, CA | Contact: (818) 889-2278
Tires: Calabasas Landfill, 5300 Lost Hills Rd., Agoura Hills, CA | Contact: (818) 889-0363
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Does SWS Handle Bulky Item Disposal?
No, SWS does not directly handle the collection of bulky items such as furniture, mattresses, or large appliances. However, we provide information on local services that can assist with bulky item disposal. Please contact your local waste management provider or visit the appropriate city website to arrange for bulky item pick-up or drop-off.
For Agoura Hills residents, Waste Management offers a bulky item collection service as part of the residential waste program. Contact Waste Management at (805) 955-4300 to schedule a pick-up.
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Have More Questions?
If you have any additional questions, feel free to contact us:
Phone: (805) 495-7521
Email: info@sws-inc.com
We’re here to help!