Film and Photography

You will need a film permit if any of the following apply to your project:

1. Cast and Crew Size

• 25 people or more in a city park
• 10 people or more on a city sidewalk
• Note: mountain park trails are limited to a maximum of 5 individuals without a permit

2. Equipment Use

• More than one tripod
• Any equipment beyond handheld items (e.g., tables, tents, dollies, C-stands, multiple tripods, props, infrastructure, amplified music)

3. Public Access Impact

• Blocking or restricting a sidewalk, alley, or street, requiring a DOTI Revocable Street Occupancy Permit (RSOP), or Denver Police traffic control
• Preventing a continuous 5-foot-wide accessible pathway on public rights-of-way (sidewalks, trails)
• Impacting public parking spaces (meters or lanes)

Please note that not all special requests will be accommodated and or may require modification.

• Use of generators, pyrotechnics, or smoke machines
• Exclusive use of any portion of a city park (i.e. closed production sets)
• Drone takeoff or landing on sidewalks or in city parks
• Police or park ranger support is requested or required
  • Even if you don’t request support, the City may determine it's needed and require it as a condition for issuing your permit.
• Coordination with any other agency is required during your shoot

Please keep the following in mind when filming in Denver:

• Only handheld equipment is allowed in Denver Mountain Parks
• Drones are prohibited in:
  • Denver Mountain Parks (including Red Rocks Park)
  • City Park
• Park amenities such as playgrounds, sports courts, and sand volleyball courts must remain open to the public and cannot be reserved exclusively
• Filming hours are limited to 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Activity outside this window is not allowed.
• Notice of filming is required if your shoot may cause noise or disruption.
  Advance notice must be given to nearby residents and businesses. OSE will provide guidance on how to meet this requirement.
• The City does not issue film or photo permits for private property
• Film permits do not allow the use of public art, sculptures, City logos, or Denver Parks and Recreation branding. These are protected under trademark law and require separate written permission. A film permit is not a location agreement or endorsement

Before applying, be sure to review:

• 2025 Film and Photography Regulations (printer friendly)(PDF, 255KB)
• Denver Parks Rules

Still have questions? Contact the Office of Special Events for help.

Check the Special Events Calendar before choosing your filming date to avoid conflicts.
Approved events, construction, and existing reservations  will not be rescheduled to accommodate film requests.

• No fee is charged to apply for a film permit from OSE
• Other city agencies may charge fees based on your activity or location

1. Your application will be reviewed by an OSE film permitting specialist

2. Relevant agencies will be notified of your application

3. You’ll be informed if additional steps are needed

4. Once approved, your permit will be issued 

• Standard projects: Apply at least 5 business days in advance

• Complex projects: Apply at least 10 business days in advance

A project is complex if it involves:

• Exclusive use of a park or park space

• Street, alley, or sidewalk closures

• Coordination with police or traffic support

• Use of drones

• Use of generators over 5kw

• Large or cumbersome equipment or props

• Coordination with Denver Fire or park rangers

Insurance Requirements

Films that are complex may require insurance; your permitting specialist will inform you. For more information, please read the following documents:

City Insurance Requirements

Sample Certificate of Insurance

You do not need a film permit from the Office of Special Events for:

• Same-day coverage of breaking news
• Projects filmed entirely on private property or indoors
• Other activities that follow different permitting processes:
  • Weddings, family reunions, picnics, athletic events, and similar private park gatherings — Casual photography (e.g., taking group pictures) generally does not require an OSE permit. However, if the gathering involves a party, structured activity, or other organized use of park space, you may still need a Parks and Recreation permit. Apply for a Parks and Recreation permit
  • Filming on state property or in state facilities  

If your production is located entirely on private property, you do not need a permit from the Office of Special Events. However, you must still follow the rules and adhere to relevant ordinances, rules, and regulations. If your production will impact public resources (e.g., police, traffic, neighborhood access), please notify OSE.

Common Private Filming Locations

Go to the Film Permit Application Portal: https://specialeventapplication.denvergov.org/login/