§ 10-565. Filming regulations.

(a)

Downtown business district.

(1)

Downtown business district defined. The downtown business district is defined as that area in the downtown business district (DBD) zoning classification.

(2)

Permitting and notification procedure for high impact filming in the downtown business district.

a.

A completed application for permit shall be submitted to the city's representative for review as soon as possible.

b.

The production company shall distribute copies of the completed application, at minimum, to all businesses and residents within a full block in each direction from the planned activity no less than ten (10) business days prior to the planned activity. The production company shall have each recipient initial for receipt of the application, and shall submit the sign-off sheet to the film liaison.

c.

Businesses shall have one (1) business day in which to notify the city of any concerns/objections in reference to the proposed film activities.

d.

The city representative shall attempt to resolve concerns or objections reported in consultation with the business, the production company, and the film liaison.

e.

If the permit is issued, the production company will notify businesses and resident of the finalized plans, no less than five (5) business days in advance of the planned activities.

(3)

Restrictions.

a.

We discourage filming in the downtown business district during the period from Thanksgiving Day through December 31 and during special events utilizing Pedestrian Plaza. If filming is necessary during these times, it should be planned for Sunday or outside normal business hours. Even low impact filming permits may be denied near merchants whose businesses are highly dependent on sales during these times, or during special events.

b.

Filming will not be allowed within two (2) blocks of planned event if the event is an annual event or if expenses have already been incurred prior to notification of planned film activities. Exceptions may be made for low impact filming.

c.

No more than two (2) film permits shall be issued within the downtown business district for any given time/date. Exceptions may be made for low impact filming.

(b)

Residential locations. Filming in residential neighborhoods shall be limited to the hours between 7:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. Unless written authorization is provided from all adjacent property owners.

(c)

Notification. Permittees must provide all residents and merchants within a two hundred-foot radius of the film location notice of the dates, times, location addresses and production company contact at least twenty-four (24) hours prior to the first film activity. If a permittee requires on-street parking for production vehicles, residents and merchants impacted by the parking requirements must receive notice at least twenty-four (24) hours prior to the arrival of the vehicles.

(d)

Clean up. The permittee shall conduct operations in an orderly fashion with continuous attention to the storage of equipment not in use and the clean up of trash and debris. The area used shall be cleaned of trash and debris upon completion of shooting at the scene and restored to the original condition before leaving the site.

(e)

Filming on private property. A permittee must obtain permission, consent and/or secure a lease for any use of property not owned or controlled by the city.

(f)

Public works department (road and streets). If a permittee desires to park equipment, trucks and/or cars in restricted parking zones, temporary "No Parking" signs must be posted, subject to the prior approval of the city's film liaison. In addition, authorization is required to lay and safely mat cable across sidewalks, or from generator to service point.

(g)

Traffic control.

(1)

In the event any filming impairs traffic flow, permittees may be required to use local law enforcement personnel for traffic control purposes and comply with other traffic control requirements as deemed necessary by the city's film liaison.

(2)

Permittees shall furnish and install advance warning signs and any other traffic control devices in conformance with the National Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices ("MUTCD"). All appropriate safety precautions must be taken.

(3)

For any lane closure or intermittent traffic control, the period of time that traffic may be restricted will be determined by the Chief of Police of the City of Cartersville, based on traffic volumes for location and time of day.

(4)

Traffic shall not be detoured across a double line without prior authorization of the chief of police.

(5)

Unless authorized by the film liaison, after consultation with the chief of police, any camera cars must be driven in the direction of traffic and must observe all traffic laws.

(6)

Any emergency roadwork by city crews and/or private contractors, under permit or contract to the city, shall have priority over filming activities.

(h)

Fireworks, explosives, etc. No film activity which involves the use of explosives, pyrotechnics, fire, smoke-making machines or other special effects may be undertaken unless specifically approved by the City of Cartersville Fire Department.

(Ord. No. 11-17, § 1, 4-20-17)