# Parking permit

Source: https://storiara.com/glossary/parking-permit
Last updated: 2026-09-14
Author: Spencer Kaufman, Storiara

> A parking permit for filming is permission from the local authority to reserve curb space for production vehicles, usually by posting temporary No Parking signs along a stretch of street before the shoot. It's typically issued with or as part of the film permit, has its own lead time and fees, and covers work trucks, not crew cars.

## What gets posted and why

Production trucks can't circle the block. The grip and electric trucks, camera truck, generator, and wardrobe and makeup trailers need to sit close to set, and [base camp](https://storiara.com/glossary/base-camp) needs space too. A parking permit reserves curb space by posting signs with the dates and hours.

Here's what the location department might request for the diner shoot, based on the tech scout:

| Stretch | Vehicles | Dates and hours |
|---|---|---|
| East side Alvarado, 1100 to 1200 block (about 300 ft) | 5-ton grip/electric, camera truck, generator | 3/9 5:00 AM to 3/10 11:00 PM |
| North side of side street, 60 ft | Honeywagon | Same |
| Rear lot (private, per location agreement) | Wardrobe/makeup trailer, catering | Covered by the agreement, not the permit |

Crew cars go to a church lot four blocks away, with a shuttle. That goes on the [call sheet](https://storiara.com/glossary/call-sheet) under parking.

## Lead time and costs

For the City of Los Angeles, [FilmLA](https://info.filmla.com/area-requirements/area-requirements-city-of-los-angeles) requires three full working days' notice before the first film date when you ask for street parking signs, and it charges by the length of curb posted. In New York City, a film permit from the Mayor's Office of Media and Entertainment includes parking privileges for the production ([MOME](https://www.nyc.gov/site/mome/permits/when-permit-required.page)). Other cities price and process postings differently, so check with the local film office when you apply for the [film permit](https://storiara.com/glossary/film-permit).

## Mistakes that cause trouble on the day

Posting too little space is the common one: a request for 150 feet when the trucks plus a lift gate and a generator need 300. Wrong hours come next. Signs that expire at 8 PM don't help when the night scene wraps at 11. Posting the wrong side of the street, or a block with a fire hydrant and a driveway in the middle, happens more than you'd expect, which is why the [tech scout](https://storiara.com/glossary/tech-scout) should include transportation.

Crew who park in posted spaces or in neighbors' spots undo the goodwill that [neighborhood notification](https://storiara.com/glossary/neighborhood-notification) was meant to build.

## Who handles it

The [location manager](https://storiara.com/roles/location-manager) applies for postings with the permit, and the location team or a posting service puts up the signs. The [transportation coordinator](https://storiara.com/roles/transportation-coordinator) plans which vehicles go where. The [LA film permit guide](https://storiara.com/blog/film-permit-los-angeles) covers posting in the city in more detail.

## Frequently asked questions

### Can crew park in posted spaces?

Generally no. Posted spaces are for production work vehicles named on the permit. Crew usually park in a separate lot and take a shuttle, which the call sheet should explain.

### How far ahead do signs need to go up?

It's set by the local office. For the City of Los Angeles, FilmLA asks for three full working days' notice before the first film date when requesting signs to be posted for street parking.

### What happens if a car is still parked in a posted space?

The production can't move it. Depending on the city, the location department contacts parking enforcement, which decides whether to cite or tow. Locations staff often try to find the owner first.

## Sources

- [FilmLA Area Requirements: City of Los Angeles](https://info.filmla.com/area-requirements/area-requirements-city-of-los-angeles)
- [NYC Mayor's Office of Media and Entertainment: When a permit is required](https://www.nyc.gov/site/mome/permits/when-permit-required.page)