This chapter establishes an office responsible for coordinating the issuance of permits and other approvals required for filming or video taping on location within the city or on city property in order to ensure that media production companies desiring to use locations within the city or owned by the city will not be unduly restricted so long as their activities are not inconsistent with considerations of the public health and safety and the protection of property.
(Ord. 728 § 1, 2007)
The city establishes a film permit coordination office ("filming office") that will be managed and operated in such a manner as is determined by the city council under an agreement with the contractor selected by the city to perform the duties described in this chapter.
(Ord. 728 § 1, 2007)
The duties of the office include:
A. 
Coordinating with city departments, agencies and agents to obtain all approvals and permits required to film on city property.
B. 
Coordinating with city departments, agencies and agents to obtain all approvals and permits required for on-location filming on private property within the city.
C. 
Coordinating the approval and collection of all applicable city or agency fees.
D. 
Coordinating the reimbursement of all city departments and other agencies involved for services provided, rental fees or other costs incurred in connection with filming activities.
E. 
Investigating minor complaints and assisting in the resolution of disputes between the film industry and city agencies concerning filming in the city.
F. 
Developing and administering programs to promote the development of the film industry in the city.
G. 
Periodically reviewing and recommending, if necessary, changes in the schedule of fees and service charges to fully recover all city costs involved in the operations of the office.
H. 
Providing technical assistance and resource material to permit applicants and individuals or organizations desiring to conduct film production or photography in the city.
I. 
Consulting with and advising the city in all matters relating to filming, including but not limited to, recommending changes and improvements in legislation, policies, procedures and methods.
J. 
Developing records, reports, and statistical data, including but not limited to, complaints, types, and number of permits, violations and area filming schedules.
K. 
Performing such other duties as may be prescribed by the city council.
(Ord. 728 § 1, 2007)
A. 
Affected city departments or agencies must expeditiously process all filming permit clearance requests referred to them by the office for approval, and cooperate with and assist the office in the accomplishment of the office's duties.
B. 
Each affected department and agency must periodically review its rules, procedures and requirements for filming and suggest possible areas of improvement.
(Ord. 728 § 1, 2007)
If a city department or agency fails to clear a film permit application in whole or in part, the office may request the department or agency, after a review with the applicant, to reconsider its rejection. However, the office has no authority to reverse a departmental or agency decision.
(Ord. 728 § 1, 2007)
A. 
The filming office must be fully self-supporting through cost-recovery fees, which may be periodically and as necessary, increased or, alternatively, services reduced to ensure that no city costs are incurred unless otherwise agreed to by the city.
B. 
The amount of the cost-recovery fees charged by the office will be subject to periodic review by the city manager.
(Ord. 728 § 1, 2007)