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

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.

Best Wishes for a great shoot!
 

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

 

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 that do not require a right-of-way permit or use of city-owned facilities.  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 FILM PERIMIT CHECKLIST:


Before you get started, review the Film Permit Application Checklist for necessary guidelines and helpful information to have a successful film shoot in the City of Brookhaven.  A complete film perrmit application must be submitted electroncially via Apply4 film app with all required documents noted in the Film Permit checklist.  Supplementary forms are available for reveiw 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.


INTERNAL BROOKHAVEN REVIEW: 
If applicable, Brookhaven film permit applications shall require review and approval by the following internal deparments to ensure compliance with all film permit regulaitons:

  • Community Development
  • Fire Marshal
  • Parks and Recreation 
  • Public Safety 
  • Public Works 
Applicalbe ciity services to include use of city-owned faciliteis, fire safety officer, police presernce, or right-of-way permits for street or lane close may incur additional fees.  Please review additonal requirments for other Brookhaven Departments below.  

Community Development
Community Development shall review the film permit application for completeness.  Aplicant must provide proof of notification to surrrounding property owners, as needed.  Please note the Cty of Brookhaven requires that applicant provide a copy of business license.  Out of state business licenses are accepbable. Site plans should include all applicable informaton. Community Development shall not issue a film permit without approved confirmation from internal departments.  Film permit fees must be paid in full prior to issuance of film permits. 
 

Brookhaven Fire Marshal Policy:
When a film production requires a Fire Safety Officer (FSO), Brookhaven Fire Marshal’s Office (BFMO) personnel shall be utilized.  Should BFMO personnel not be available to conduct the FSO, the BFMO shall approve the FSO personnel. A BFMO Preliminary site inspection is required for ALL film sets and shall be coordinated with a minimum 24-hour advance notice to be performed during normal business hours.  Please confirm the location is complete before requesting the BFMO Site Inspection.  Please provide contact information for the site supervisor upon scheduling and confirm the production company will be available on-site during the walk-through.  If required by NFPA 140, Section 4.4, Fire Watch, appropriate number of FSO personnel shall be on-site to prevent and abate fire and life safety hazards. The BFMO will verify code compliance with currently adopted codes to include but not limited to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 140, NFPA 10, and the International Fire Code requirements. This inspection will include, but not limited to tent separation, generator(s), cooking equipment and fire extinguisher(s). To schedule FSO personnel and/or your preliminary site  inspection, please contact Joe Burge, 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 fee for general security off-duty officers ranges between $65 per hour - $100 per hour with a three-hour minimum.  For traffic detail, the fee ranges between $70 per hour - $100 per hour with a three-hour minimum.  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 three-hour minimum rate, as advertised.  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.  You may access the Central Square off-duty URL via the following link: Brookhaven Off-Duty Officer Request Form.
 
Brookhaven Public Works 
When an applicant proposes a street or intermittent lane closure (ITC), Broohaven Public Works shall requie a separate right-of-way encroachment permit.  Film producers are encouraged to reach out to Community Development and  Public Works departments at least 2 weeks prior to the date of the film shoot to ensure the proposed full-street or lane closure is feasible.  Applicants may apply for a right-of-way encroachment permit to include the proposed traffic control plan via the following link: https://brookhaven.ga.roway.net/.  Note a separate fee is required for right-of-way permits.  You may contact Carlos Soler directly via email at carlos.soler@brookhavenga.gov or by telephone at 404-637-0522 for mor information.  Please note that notification signs may be required and are subject to an additional fee by the applicant.  Approval of right-of-way permit must be confirmed by Public Works prior to the issuance of a film permit.  

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 O'Cephus Starks via email at ocephus.starks@brookhavenga.gov or Michael King at michael.king@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
Please note other agnecy requirments that may require separate approval prior to issuance of a film perimt from the City of Brookhaven.  It shall be the responsiblity of the applicant or film producer to reach out to other agencies for information and approval, as requested.  

 

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 30 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
 

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

State of Emergency

Respectfully, the City of Brookhaven requests that film producers ensure that film shoots do not pose a threat to the disruption of city services during inclement weather.  During a State of Emergency, the City of Brookhaven will not issue film permits that potenially threaten the disruption of city services.  Public Works will not issue right-of-way permits to allow street or lane closure for non-emergency purposes during a state of emergency.  Thank you! 
 

 

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

Physical Address:
2665 Buford Highway
Brookhaven, GA  30324