Overview
The Portland Events and Film Office is a broad local agency to help facilitate and support film activity, and should be your starting point to navigate the various permitting requirements within the City of Portland.
For film activity that takes place within the public right-of-way (public streets or sidewalks), the Portland Bureau of Transportation issues permits per the process outlined below.
Application information
To apply for permits to film on city streets or sidewalks or to reserve parking, please fill out the appropriate application below and email to PBOTfilm@portlandoregon.gov.
Permit requests must be submitted at least three business days prior to your filming activity. More lead time may be necessary depending on size and location of shoot.
When your permit has been approved, you will be provided with instructions for paying permit fees.
All parking reservation and traffic control barricades and signage are to be provided and set up by the permit holder.
Film activity is limited during holiday and Portland Rose Festival events, so please see this moratorium page for more detail.
Parking reservations
If your permit includes on-street parking reservation, you'll receive additional information about the reservation process. You will be responsible for creating and posting parking reservation signage using a provided sign template.
The sign template will need to be filled out, printed, and affixed to wooden or plastic barricades measuring at least 24 inches wide and 30 inches tall.
Parking reservation signage will need to be posted at least 24 hours in advance. Enforcement of your reserved parking area will require additional coordination.
Parking reservation barricades will need to be placed at least every 40ft. Any conflicting parking signs within the reserved zone will need to be covered.
Traffic control
If your application includes use of the street or sidewalk area, you may be required to submit a traffic control plan showing your work zone and how you propose to safely direct public traffic around your closed area.
You will be responsible for providing and setting up all traffic control devices. All traffic control shall be set up per PBOT's Temporary Traffic Control Design Manual.
Insurance requirements
Any permits for the use of the street or sidewalk area will require an insurance certificate and endorsement per these requirements. If you are reserving parking only and not impacting the street or sidewalk, this insurance requirement does not apply.
Advance notification
Film productions are required to notify all affected residents, businesses, and neighborhood or business associations at least three business days in advance of permit start time. Notification is required prior to permit issuance. If unavoidable circumstances delay notification, contact the Portland Film Office immediately at filmoffice@prosperportland.us or 503-823-3217.
The Portland Film Office has a notification letter template you may use. Letters must have production name, contact name, and contact number so that business owners or citizens can contact the production directly with questions or concerns. Letters must be distributed to every business and residence in filming area. If it is not possible to personally hand deliver notification, leave the letter affixed to doorknob or securely affixed in very visible location on the property. Maps and contact information for neighborhood associations are online at this link.
Application links
Parking Application
B Roll Application
Sidewalk/Street Application
Fee information
PBOT film parking permit fees for fiscal year 2025-2026.
Contact information
Email: PBOTfilm@portlandoregon.gov