HomeMy WebLinkAbout2022-1480 LEMC Chapter 5.110 Motion Pictures, Television & Photographic Production AmendmentORDINANCE NO. 2022–1480
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LAKE ELSINORE
CHAPTER 5.110 REGULATING MOTION PICTURES, TELEVISION AND
PHOTOGRAPHIC PRODUCTION IN THE CITY
Whereas, the City of Lake Elsinore is an ideal backdrop for television, commercial and
film production due to its "Dream Extreme" lifestyle and climate for motion picture and television
filming;
Whereas, the "Uniform Film Permit Act" commencing with Section 14999.20 et seq. of the
California Government Code encourages municipalities to adopt uniform permit procedures
throughout the State;
Whereas, the City wishes to adopt regulations for the issuance of motion picture and
television film permits and to establish a more uniform process for the permitting of commercial
film activities in the City;
Whereas, as required by the Uniform Film Permit Act, the California Film Commission
reviewed the City's proposed ordinance and provided comment F1 which have been incorporated
in this ordinance;
Whereas, the City Council held a public meeting regarding the proposed amendment to
the Lake Elsinore Municipal Code, reviewed the City staff's agenda report and received public
testimony and documentary evidence provided prior to and at the public meeting;
Whereas, On October 23, 2012, the City Council adopted Ordinance No. 2012-1305
amending Title 5 of the Lake Elsinore Code by adding Chapter 5.110 regulating Motion Pictures,
Television and Photographic Production in the City.
NOW THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LAKE ELSINORE DOES
ORDAIN AS FOLLOWS:
Section 1: LEMC Section 5.110, Motion Pictures, Television and Photographic Production
is hereby amended as follows:
5.110.020 Definitions.
“Film Permit Officer” means the Director of the Community Services Department or designee.
“Motion pictures, television and broadcasting, and still photography” shall mean all activity
attendant to the staging or shooting of commercial motion pictures, television programs and
commercials in any medium including film, tape or digital format.
“News coverage” shall mean filming or still photography by individuals in the employ of
newspapers, news services, and similar entities of on-the-spot, current coverage of news events
concerning persons, scenes and occurrences which are in the news and of general public
interest.
“Student films” shall mean motion pictures, television and broadcasting, and still photography
produced as part of the instructional program of an accredited school or college. [Ord. 1305 § 1,
2012].
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“Studio” means a fixed place of business where filming activities (motion or still photography)
are regularly conducted upon the premises.
5.110.030 Permit required.
No person shall use any public or private property, facility or residence for the purpose of taking
commercial motion pictures, television and broadcasting, or still photography without first
applying for and receiving a permit from the Film Permit Officer. [Ord. 1305 § 1, 2012].
5.110.040 Permit exemptions.
C. Charitable films. Projects that qualify under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.
D. Those filming activities (motion or still photography) conducted at a studio.
E. Those education, government, and public access and local origination programs for cable
television systems franchised within the City.
F. Publications (newspapers, magazines, etc.) and filming companies (television, motion picture
companies) producing films or still photography for the City’s benefit (publicity, advertising and
tourism-related purposes).
5.110.050 Authorization
The Film Permit Officer is hereby authorized to impose reasonable conditions governing the
form, time and location of any filming activity set forth within the City. The Film Permit Officer
shall also provide for the issuance of permits. The conditions shall be based upon the following
criteria:
5.110.060 Applications
Applications for a film permit must be filed with the Film Permit Officer a minimum of one
working day in advance of the date the filming activity is to begin. If such activity interferes with
traffic or involves stunts, special effects, or is deemed extraordinary, an application must be
submitted at least seven working days in advance. No late applications will be processed by the
City unless the Film Permit Officer determines that special circumstances beyond the control of
the applicant precluded its timely submittal and that sufficient time remains for processing. The
applicant must keep a copy of the permit posted on site in a conspicuous place at all times.
[Ord. 1305 § 1, 2012].
5.110.070 Permit approval or denial.
The Film Permit Officer shall approve, conditionally approve or deny the application within three
business days of receipt of the application unless the proposed filming activity requires
extensive review by other City departments or public safety agencies due to significant public
health and welfare considerations or traffic safety.
I. The permit applicant has not paid permit application fees or has a demonstrated record of
nonpayment for cost recovery fees.
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J. The “Film LE logo” must appear on all materials and meet all identity standards. The
consistent application of the Film LE logo by all of our partners should increase the
effectiveness of collateral material, print ads, and outdoor signage for the consumer.
5.110.080 Fees
All fees associated with this section shall be set according to resolution adopted by the City
Council and shall be paid by applicant to the film permit officer when the completed application
form is submitted for approval.
5.110.090 Permit conditions.
A. Requirements for the presence of City employees or public safety personnel at the
applicant’s expense, when required for the particular filming activity.
5.110.100 Notification
B. Written authorization from all property owners on whose property filming will occur as part of
the film permit application at the time of submission.
C. If filming in residential areas is to occur between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m.,
notification 72 hours in advance of filming to all residents within 300 feet shall be required on a
designated City form or notice approved by the Film Permit Officer.
E. A copy of the approved permit and applicant’s contact information or applicant’s designee
must be displayed at the place of filming in a location that is visible to the public.
Section 2: CEQA. This Ordinance is exempt from the California Environmental Quality
Act in accordance with Section 15061(b) (3) there is no possibility that the activity in question may
have a significant effect on the environment.
Section 3: Severability. If any provision of this Ordinance or its application is held
invalid by a court of competent jurisdiction, such invalidity shall not affect other provisions,
sections, or applications of the Ordinance which can be given effect without the invalid provision
or application, and to this end each phrase, section, sentence, or word is declared to be severable.
Section 4: Effective Date. This Ordinance shall become effective at 12:01 a.m. on
the thirty-first (31st) day after the date of adoption.
Section 5: Certification. The City Clerk shall certify to the passage of this Ordinance and
shall cause a synopsis of the same to be published according to law.
PASSED, APPROVED, AND ADOPTED at a regular meeting of the City Council of the
City of Lake Elsinore, California, on this 10th day of January 2023.
Natasha Johnson
Mayor
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Attest:
Candice Alvarez, MMC
City Clerk
STATE OF CALIFORNIA )
COUNTY OF RIVERSIDE ) ss.
CITY OF LAKE ELSINORE )
I, Candice Alvarez, MMC, City Clerk of the City of Lake Elsinore, California, do hereby certify that
Ordinance No. 2022-1480 was introduced by the City Council of the City of Lake Elsinore,
California, at its Regular meeting of December 13, 2022 and adopted at its Regular meeting of
January 10, 2023 and that the same was adopted by the following vote:
AYES: Council Members Tisdale, Sheridan, and Magee; Mayor Pro Tem Manos; and Mayor
Johnson
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
Candice Alvarez, MMC
City Clerk
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