Permitting Essentials Before the Camera Starts Rolling
Whether you're planning a short shoot or a full-scale production, you'll need to acquire the right permits to make it official. Through streamlined processes, you can secure approvals, understand local guidelines, and get the support you need to film in Greenville, South Carolina.
Required to submit a “Certificate of Insurance” in the amount of $600,000 worth of General Liability coverage that names the County of Greenville as an additional insured for the date(s) of the shoot.
Permit Coverage:
Permit covers the film activity that requires set up and tear down and the reservation and/or closure of a county right of way (road, grass areas, sidewalks etc.).
Filming and Photography Permit or Encroachment Permit for Community Events does not give the permit holder the right to make an area of the public space exclusive for their use only.
Commercial Filming (CF) $100/single day, $200 total for multi-day - 72 Hour Notification
Commercial Filming Special Event Permit (CFSEP) $100/single day, $200 total for multi-day - 15 Day Notification
Insurance:
Required to submit a “Certificate of Insurance” in the amount of $1,000,000 worth of general liability and $1,000,000 worth of insurance aggregate coverage that names the City of Greenville as additional insured for the date of the filming.
Permit Coverage:
Commercial Filming Permit
This permit is intended for a professional photographer who requires four hours or less, including setup and tear-down time. The permit will only be given on weekdays and does not provide for exclusive use of a park.
Commercial Filming Special Event Permit
This permit applies to a professional photographer who requires extensive equipment setup, the reservation of a specific site on public property, and the restriction of public sidewalks or roadways. The permit may be permitted during weekdays, weekends, and holidays, per approval from the City Manager. It may also be issued for any length of time.
For Road Closures, please reach out to Breigh for additional information.
If you require police and security, applicant may be required to hire sworn off-duty City of Greenville Police Officers to provide security to ensure public safety. Such officers should be graduates of the South Carolina Law Enforcement Academy, have a working knowledge of Greenville Police Department procedures and be approved by the Chief of Police. Cost for security is $30 per hour per officer for a minimum of (3) three hours. If an event requires more officers than the Greenville Police Department can supply, County Sheriffs or Highway Patrol Officers may be used. These officers could cost between $30 - $40 per hour. A Police Service Agreement must be signed before the Special Event Permit is issued. The applicant will be invoiced for this service after the event is held. Please reach out to Breigh to help coordinate.
The applicant shall submit a certificate of insurance verifying the minimum coverage(s) and specifically listing the City of Greer as an additional insured with the listed address of 301 East Poinsett Street, Greer, SC 29651.
General Liability- Minimum of $1,000,000 each occurrence and $1,000,000 general aggregate.
Permit Coverage:
For Road Closures, see fee schedules in application.
For Greer Police Officers to provide security at this event, certain payment requirements must be met. Greer Police Officers are to be paid at a rate of $55.00 per hour per officer. There is a two-hour minimum. The number of officers required to work at any special event may be contingent upon the size of the expected crowd and whether alcohol will be served. A copy of the Secondary Employment Agreement may be obtained by calling the City of Greer Police Department at 864-801-2040. Other details may be discussed at that time as well.
SC State Permits: See below for the few permits required on the state level. For more info, please contact the SC Film Commission about which places require a special use permit.
