Thank you for choosing the City and County of Denver for your filming or photography project.
Public Event & Film Permitting (PEFP), a division of Denver Arts & Venues, supports a wide variety of safe, successful, and vibrant film projects across the city. This resource is designed to help applicants understand Denver’s film permitting process, location requirements, timelines, and additional coordination that may be required for filming activities.
Before filming in Denver, applicants should complete the following steps:
- Confirm filming locations and dates
- Review location-specific requirements
- Submit a Film Operational Permit (FOP) application
- Complete any required notifications, permits, or operational coordination
Use this resource throughout the planning process to help identify applicable requirements, stay on track with deadlines, and access helpful resources and contacts.
You can also access this content in a printer-friendly document below.
PEFP FILM GUIDE(PDF, 728KB)
The information is also available in various languages and accessible formats to meet diverse needs. Please contact us to request these accommodations.
Additional Resources
2025 Film and Photography Regulations (printer friendly)(PDF, 255KB)
Denver Parks Rules
Begin your event permitting process by clicking on Step 2 above or the button below to see if you need a Film Operational Permit (FOP).
A Denver Film Operational Permit (FOP) is required when filming or photography activities on public property (parks, streets, sidewalks, or alleys) and your production meets any of the criteria below.
Criteria 1: Cast and Crew Size
A permit is required when production exceeds:
- 25 or more people in a Denver park
- 10 or more people on a city sidewalk
Criteria 2: Use of Equipment
A permit is required when additional production equipment is used beyond handheld equipment or a single tripod.
Examples include:
- Drones
- Tables or tents
- Dollies
- C-stands
- Multiple tripods
- Props or set infrastructure
- Sound equipment
- Generators 5 kW or more
- Pyrotechnics
Criteria 3: Access to Public Spaces is Impacted
A permit is required when filming activities impact pedestrian or vehicular traffic flow.
Examples include:
- Inability to maintain a continuous 5-foot ADA-accessible pathway
- Closing or restricting streets, sidewalks, or alleys
- Use of public parking spaces, meters, or parking lanes
- Requesting exclusive use of a park space
- Requiring traffic control or police support
Criteria 4: Rule and Regulation Exemptions
You must obtain a permit if your production requests an exemption from City and County of Denver rules or regulations (e.g., filming outside normal park hours)
*When a Film Permit Is Typically Not Required
A permit is generally not required for:
- Same-day news coverage by media outlets
- Filming entirely on private property
- Photography at permitted events (unless drones are used)
- Casual group photography
Next Steps
If an FOP is required, continue reading this guide for application instructions and additional details by clicking on Step 3 above or the button below.
Before you apply, confirm your filming location, dates, and times are feasible and available. PEFP cannot hold or reserve locations for you.
Important Reminders
Check for Conflicts
Approved events, construction, and existing reservations will not be rescheduled to accommodate filming.
Use the resources below to identify conflicts:
Check Major Venue Schedules
Events at large venues may impact nearby streets, parking, and access.
Review schedules and event calendars for major venues, including:
If conflicts exist, adjust your location, dates, or scope before applying.
Once filming locations are confirmed, review Section 3: Requirements by Filming Location.
Filming in Denver may take place in parks, public right-of-way, or private property. Each location type has different rules and permitting requirements.
Film Operational Permits are processed by Denver Arts & Venues (DAV), Public Events and Film Permitting (PEFP).
Some production projects may require additional permits, agreements or coordination with other City agencies. Productions must meet the deadlines required for those permits, agreements and coordination.
Before You Apply
Application Fees
PEFP does not currently charge an application or permit fee for a Film Operational Permit.
However, productions may still be responsible for:
- Permit fees from other City agencies
- Staffing costs required for production support (such as police officers)
Complex Projects
Projects may require additional review or coordination if they include any of the following:
- Street, alley, or sidewalk closures
- Exclusive use of a park area
- Coordination with Denver Police, Denver Fire, or Park Rangers
- Drone operations
- Generators over 5 kW
- Large or complex equipment, infrastructure, or props
This list is not exhaustive. If you are unsure whether your project is considered complex, contact denverfilms@denvergov.org.
Application Deadlines
Film permit deadlines are aligned with other potential permits required for filming.
Applications submitted after the deadlines below cannot be accepted.
- Non-complex projects: 5 business days before requested filming
- Complex projects: 10 business days before requested filming
Applications must be complete to be accepted
Submit Your Application
Application Process
Complete and submit your application through the Film Operational Permit (FOP) portal
Naming Your Application
Applications must be titled using the production name and filming location.
Example:
Enchanted Adventures – City Park
Multiple Filming Locations
Each filming location requires a separate application. If your project includes multiple locations, you must submit an application for each one. Denver does not issue “grid location permits,” which are permits allowing multiple filming locations under a single application.
For multi-location productions:
- Duplicate the original application
- Update the location details for each site
Example:
- Location #1 - Enchanted Adventures- City Park
- Location #2 - Enchanted Adventures- 1800 Wazee St.
- Location #3 - Enchanted Adventures- Cheesman Park Pavillion
Duplicating an Application
To duplicate an existing application:
- Open the Applicant Dashboard
- Select the application you want to duplicate
- Under Application Tools, scroll down and select Duplicate Application
Follow the prompts to create a copy.
Required Application Information
Each application must include the following information (steps 1 – 6 in the application):
- Production Company Information
- Contacts
- General Production Information
- Location Details
- Dates and Times
- Production Details
Additional Forms (if applicable)
If your project requires additional forms (such as sidewalk occupancy or no-parking requests), you must complete them within the application (Step 6.5).
Site Maps
Site maps are typically required.
A site map should include:
- Boundaries and dimensions of the proposed production areas
- Locations of key features, such as buildings, landmarks, roads
- Camera positions, equipment setups, or staging areas
- All temporary structures, sets, portable trailers, restrooms, etc.
- Support activities - catering, vehicle parking, basecamp
Review and Approval Process
PEFP will begin reviewing applications within 24–48 business hours.
During the review process:
- Your permitting specialist, and other City agencies may request additional information
- Communication will occur through the application portal
Once all required permits and approvals are obtained, PEFP will issue your Film Operational Permit (FOP) confirming that your production may proceed.
Community notifications are required for most film productions in Denver, particularly when filming activities may impact the surrounding area or attract public attention.
Notifications help inform residents, businesses, and stakeholders about filming activity and potential impacts.
Community notifications are required for productions involving:
- Street or sidewalk closures
- Restricted parking or local access
- Delays or rerouting of public transit
- Drone use
- Loud noise
- Filming before 6:00 AM or after 10:00 PM
- Simulated violence or use of prop weapons
- Other potentially disruptive or alarming activity
If any of the above apply, you must complete a community notification using the required template before filming. PEFP must approve notifications before distribution. Notifications sent before approval may need to be resent.
Not all requirements apply to every production. Review the sections below based on your project’s activities.
PEFP works to support successful productions. However, a Film Operational Permit may be denied or revoked under circumstances including:
- The requested location is unavailable or under construction
- Required permits, fees, or approvals from other City agencies are not obtained
- Required insurance is not provided
- The application is incomplete or required information is not submitted by deadlines
- The applicant has a history of documented violations related to past permits
- A serious violation occurs that impacts public safety or welfare
PEFP may also deny, modify or revoke a permit due to unforeseen circumstances, such as weather, emergencies, or scheduling conflicts.
Failure to comply with permit conditions, City regulations, or approved plans may result in permit revocation.