The City of Brookhaven, Georgia Film Production Permit Application

Welcome to FilmApp Brookhaven

The Department of Community Development is the official film office for the City of Brookhaven, GA.

To support the rapidly expanding film industry, the City of Brookhaven has streamlined the permitting process for film productions with the launch of our new online application software FilmApp Brookhaven. In addition to streamlining the permitting process for film productions in the City, the Department will also be responsible for the following:

  • Coordinating the issuance of permits to productions filming in the City
  • Facilitating communication between producers and city and external agencies
  • Minimizing potential inconveniences to local residents and businesses affected by film production
  • Partnering with the Georgia Film, Music & Digital Entertainment Office, the DeKalb Entertainment Commission, and other partners to market the City as a film, culture, and entertainment-friendly city
  • Supporting the initiatives of the DeKalb Entertainment Commission

NOTE: 

The City of Brookhaven is regularly monitoring state and federal mandates regarding Covid-19 restrictions while following the guidelines set forth in Executive Orders. The City's Covid-19 response and resources can be found here. As of June 1st, The City of Brookhaven has resumed accepting film permit applications.

We are recommending that you read the DeKalb County Best Practices to Reduce Contagion of COVID-19  Document and State of Georgia Covid-19 Guidelines for Film Productions and provide a copy of your production company's Covid-19 safety plan with your application. Please submit applications with as much lead time as possible. We look forward to working with all of our entertainment professionals here in the City of Brookhaven.

Please visit the DeKalb Entertainment Commission website www.dekalbentertainment.com for a list of resources to support the creative community.  

Best Wishes for a great shoot!
 

The Department of Community Development Office Hours:
8:30 AM - 5:00 PM EST
Monday - Friday

An application for a film production permit shall be filed at least 7 days prior to the date the film production is scheduled to begin in a residential area and 48 hours in advance of film production for all other locations.  Applications or documents submitted after the close of business (5:00 PM EST) on any given day will not be counted as RECEIVED until the next business day.  A complete fee schedule is available for download from the menu on the right. 
The online credit card payment gateway accepts VISA, MASTER CARD and DISCOVER.


PRODUCTION ELEMENTS CHECKLIST

A FILM PRODUCTION PERMIT IS REQUIRED FOR ALL FILM ACTIVITY OCCURRING IN THE CITY OF BROOKHAVEN

Visit the  Film Ordinance here to view all regulations and requirements needed to begin filming within the City of Brookhaven.

 

GETTING STARTED CHECKLIST:


Completed On-Line FILM PRODUCTION PERMIT Application with all required documents noted in the Film Permit checklist. All of the supplementary forms you will need can be found to your right.
 

A FILM PRODUCTION PERMIT is NOT required for (1) Current news productions, including reporters, photographers or cameramen in the employment of a newspaper, news service, broadcasting station or similar entity engaged in the broadcasting of news events;  (2) Productions that are conducted by the DeKalb County School System or other educational or governmental organizations, including but not limited to DeKalb County Television;  (3) Filming associated with any rally, protest or demonstration, except when such rally or demonstration is staged for the sole purpose of being included in filming; and (4)Filming by a student or students duly enrolled in an educational institution.
 

Before you get started, review the checklist for necessary guidelines and helpful information to have a successful film shoot in the City of Brookhaven.  

We know you have a choice to film anywhere, and we thank you for choosing the City of Brookhaven as the location for your creative vision.

 

Brookhaven Fire Marshal Policy:
In the event a film production requires the employment of Fire Marshals, uniformed Brookhaven Fire Marshal’s staff shall be utilized.  If Brookhaven Fire Marshal(s) are not available, then a DeKalb County fire marshal(s) may be utilized. An FMO Preliminary site inspection is required for ALL film sets and should be coordinated with a minimum 24-hour advance notice to be performed during normal business hours.  The assigned FMO Inspector will verify applicable tent separation, generator, and cooking equipment, as well as other applicable NFPA 140, NFPA 10, and IFC conditions/requirements.  Please assure site set-up is complete upon FMO Site Inspection.  Please provide contact information for the site supervisor upon scheduling and confirm that representation from the production will be available on site during the walk-thru.  If applicable for specific hazardous activities, a Fire Safety Officer shall be provided, in accordance with NFPA 140, by Brookhaven Fire Marshal Office Staff or if approved, by the DeKalb Fire Marshal’s Office, DeKalb County Fire Rescue Staff.  To schedule your inspection, please contact Brookhaven Fire Marshal, at joe.burge@brookhavenga.gov or at 404.637.0654.

 

 

Brookhaven Police Department Policy:

In the event a film production requires the employment of off-duty, officers, uniformed Brookhaven Police Officer(s) shall be utilized. If Brookhaven Police Officer(s) are not available, then a DeKalb County police officer(s) may be utilized. Contact the Brookhaven Police Coordinator to secure police coverage for your film shoot. Based on the circumstances of the shoot, the applicant shall be required to hire off-duty POST-certified police officers as determined and directed by the Brookhaven Entertainment Commission and the Brookhaven Police Department based solely on public safety considerations. These officers shall have the jurisdictional authority to enforce Brookhaven ordinances and State of Georgia law. The Brookhaven Police Department will not assess a separate "coordination fee" for the use of their off duty Officers; however, the following is the general pay information for the use of Off-Duty Officers. The Officer(s) Flat rate fee is a minimum of $40 per hour with a four-hour minimum. Any event lasting over four hours shall be charged an additional fee of $40 per hour. Further, there is a $10/daily rate fuel reimbursement for each assigned officer.  Payment shall be made by the production company directly to the officer performing Police Safety Duties. Payment shall be made immediately after the completion of a work cycle or immediately after completion of “police safety duties” as mutually determined by both parties. 48-hour advance notice is required for all schedule changes. If there is no notice of cancellation within 48 hours, Police Safety Officer (PSO) will be paid based on the minimum time requested $160. Please be advised that 24-hour requests are not guaranteed. A permit will be denied if proper police coverage is not confirmed. The Brookhaven Police Extra Job Coordinator can be contacted at extrajobs@brookhavenga.gov should you have any questions about this section.
 


Filming at City of Brookhaven Parks and Recreation Facilities:
Include a site plan under the Supporting Documents section if your application includes a city park. A screenshot of Google Maps indicating where you would like to film is sufficient. Any questions regarding specific facilities can be directed to Philip.Mitchell@brookhavenga.gov. The Brookhaven Parks & Recreation Department charges the following fees for filming on park property:

  • Commercial Feature Film, Video or Television Production - $1,200 for eight hours, $100 each hour thereafter
  • Documentary - $100 per hour
  • Public Service Announcement - $50 per hour
  • Student Filming/Photography – Free if not-for-profit, otherwise $50 per hour
  • Commercial Still Photography - $100 per hour
  • For parking services only for base camp, crew or trucks - $500 per day

 

Filming in a City of Brookhaven Owned Facility:
Managed independently by departments and may include a fee.  Please contact the Department of Community Development for location information.
 


OTHER AGENCY INFORMATION

 

DeKalb Water Meter Rentals:
Fire hydrant meters can be rented by completing an online application, providing a copy of your FILM PRODUCTION PERMIT at 774 Jordan Lane, Decatur, GA 30033.  After completing the application process and paying the $600.00 deposit, a meter can be picked up and returned at 1580 Roadhaven Dr., Stone Mountain, GA 30083.  Please note that there is a $28 monthly rental charge and a required reporting of usage per month. Any questions concerning the hydrant rental program should submit inquiries to hydrantrental@dekalbcountyga.gov or call (404) 371-2677 or (404) 371-2697.  The fire hydrant meter rental application is available to your right.

 

DeKalb County School System Film Policy:  

In Order to rent space in DeKalb County School Facilities you will need to do the following:

  • Submit your request 14 days prior to the event start date
  • Provide Insurance - Minimum $1,000,000 general liability or public liability for each occurrence/aggregate
  • Submit to a criminal background check by the DeKalb County School District Department of Public Safety at 5861 Memorial Dr., Stone Mountain, GA 30083
  • Obtain written approval from the school principal
  • To gain access to available spaces for rent, please click on the link below and register

GDOT Film Policy:
A permit is required for use of the right-of-way on all Georgia State Routes for film purposes. Permits are issued by the various District Traffic Operations Offices. If locations requested are in multiple Districts, a separate Permit must be issued for each District.  Please follow the link for more information.  http://www.dot.ga.gov/PS/Permits 
GDOT Contact:  Michelle Meeks, Metro Atlanta District 7 Traffic Specialist, 770-216-3894 
Email: mmeeks@dot.ga.gov

 

MARTA Film Policy & Application:
Be sure that all sidewalk, lane and road closures do not impede MARTA bus routes, bus stops or transit stations.  Visithttp://www.itsmarta.com/Default.aspx for access to MARTA Transit maps and schedules. A signed license agreement is required to film any commercial photography, television shows, short features or any other film projects on MARTA Property. MARTA will approve or reject the filmmaker's request based on how the project will affect the normal transit service schedule.  Be aware that all film requests must be submitted at least 30 days before filming begins. Please follow the link for more information.  http://www.itsmarta.com/photography-and-film.aspx 
MARTA Contact:  Alexia Wynn, Communications Specialist, 404-848-5032 
Email: awynn@itsmarta.com

 

Filming at DeKalb Peachtree Airport:
PDK does not allow filming on runways and/or service roads.  Filming cannot interfere with operations of the airport and/or tenants in the immediate area when filming in a corporate hangar.

FBO’s (Terminal)—Scouts must  submit a request with the FBO to film inside of their facility before completing a film permit application
                                Atlantic Aviation             770-454-5000                               
                                Epps Aviation                  770-458-9851
                                Signature Flight Support 770-452-0010

Please find information with regards to filming using a DRONE (Unmanned Aircraft System) in DeKalb County
https://www.dekalbcountyga.gov/airport/uas-drones-info



Contact the City of Brookhaven Department of Community Development for more information at
 404.637.0500 or via email at planning@brookhavenga.gov