Location Permits

From large Hollywood productions to undergraduate student films to catalog shoots, Fairfield is film friendly.   We understand the nature of filming projects and do our best to make the permitting process as simple and flexible as possible.   Please review the information below before submitting a Location Permit Application.

Before filming: COVID-19 Self-Certify Protocols and follow state of Connecticut Rules and Guidelines for Film, Television & Digital Media at CT Business Reopening and Recovery Center in the Film, Television & Digital Media Business Sector.

Any project that takes place on Town property (parks, beaches, streets, open space, town buildings) requires a Location Permit.

Fairfield does not require a Location Permit for filming on private property.  However, any shoots which require parking a significant number of trucks or vehicles on public roads may require hiring a Police Officer.  Contact the Support Services Division of the Fairfield Police Department for information on hiring an officer.

Projects that involve state roads require a permit from the State of Connecticut.

The Office of Community & Economic Development coordinates and issues location permits.  Submit your completed Location Permit Application  by e-mail, regular mail or deliver to the Office.  The Office will then coordinate approval with other departments as necessary.  Once department approvals, fee payment and a Certificate of Liability Insurance have been secured a Location Permit will be issued.

For projects requiring significant coordination involving facility reservations, street closures, coordinated parking or large crews, please contact the Community and Economic Development Department prior to submitting the application to discuss logistics and confirm availability of the location.

Certain locations and/or projects of significant size may require approval from the Board or Commission that sets policy or approves events at the location.   Boards generally meet monthly.  It is best to make an inquiry well in advance of your shooting date should the project require a Board's consideration and/or vote at its monthly meeting.

Fees must be paid before a Location Permit is issued.  Fees are as follows but may be modified at the Town's discretion:

• For Profit/Big Budget Film and TV - $500/day plus any Police Department fees

• Independent/Individual Film Productions - $250/day

• Student Film/Non-Profit Organization - $75 for one day; without affecting residents, beyond one day, fees to be determined

Fees may be charged for any town equipment used during filming.   Police Department fees, if Police presence is required, are separate and billed by the Police Department.

All revenue from Location Permits goes to the General Fund.

Before a Location Permit will be issued and until all activities under a permit are completed, the applicant must procure and maintain insurance satisfactory to the Town.

A permit will not be issued until the Certificate of Liability Insurance has been reviewed and approved by the Risk Manager.  The certificate must name the Town, its officers, agents and employees as additional insureds.  Click here to view an example of a Certificate of Liability Insurance. 

Shoots involving automobiles or other moving vehicles require automobile coverage as part of the Certificate of Liability Insurance.

If your project will involve food service you must contact the Health Department for a Temporary Food License.

From our beaches to open spaces to Universities to historic Southport, Fairfield has much to offer for filmmakers and photographers.

Please contact the Community and Economic Development Department at 203.256.3120 or e-mail cedoffice@fairfieldct.org with any questions.