Permits
Generally, few permits are needed for filming in the Albuquerque area. Permits are usually required for production on federal, state and tribal lands. Permits may be required for production on city property, sensitive areas such as historical sites and on public streets including county roads and state highways. For more complete information regarding permitting, please contact the Albuquerque Film Office at 505-768-3289.
City of Albuquerque
The City of Albuquerque's permitting process has been designed for activities that affect the right of way or the City's ability to provide emergency services to the public.
If filming involves anything from the checklist below, it requires the
approval and/or additional permits by city departments before it can
take place. It is up to the applicant to conform to the current laws
and requirements, ensure that the production company has all the necessary
permits and remains in compliance throughout filming. Failure to comply
with the requirements suggested by City departments can result in a shut
down of filming with possible legal ramifications.
Permit Process
- Obtain an application from the Albuquerque Film Office or download the film permit application below.
- Complete the application and sign the declaration on the final page.
- Attach a sketch of the exact filming location, listing which roads you wish to close.
- Obtain general liability insurance in the amount of $1 million, naming the City of Albuquerque as an additional insured party for the length of the shoot. Call the Film Office at 505-768-3289 to schedule a review of your application at the next Film Permit Committee Meeting.
- After Hours Signature Page
Additional Permits Check List
- Use of Barricades : Department of Municipal Development 505-924-3400
Blocking streets or sidewalks requires a barricading plan. The applicant must hire a private, licensed barricade company when barricades are necessary. A Barricade Permit must be obtained from the Department of Municipal Development for a minimal fee anytime barricades are used. - Harry E. Kinney Civic Plaza Usage: Community Events Division 505-768-3522
A rental fee and/or damage deposit is required in most cases. - Rio Grande Bosque, Foothill Trails: Open Space Division
505-873-6620
Other areas include, but are not limited to, Elena Gallegos and Montessa Park. - Central/Downtown Usage: Downtown Action Team 505-243-2230
Closing or blocking portions of Central Ave. requires a letter of approval from the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) and the Downtown Action Team and at least seven (7) days notice. - City Parks Usage: Park Management Department 505-857-8650
Events at any public park require a Park Use Permit obtained from the Park Management Department. - Balloon Fiesta Park Usage: Balloon Fiesta Park 505-768-5366
Events at Balloon Fiesta Park require a Park Use Permit obtained from the Balloon Fiesta Park. - State Highway Usage: State Highway Department 505-841-2700
Contact the City of Albuquerque Traffic Engineer for information regarding state owned roadways, as additional permits may be mandatory. A State Highway Department signature is required. - Old Town Area Usage: Park Management 505-857-8650;
Old Town Merchants Association 505-248-1087
The Parks and Recreation Department manages the Old Town Plaza. If filming interferes with business, the Old Town Merchants Association must be notified. - Nob Hill Area Usage: Nob Hill Business Association
505-254-1434
If filming will interfere with business, please contact the Nob Hill Business Association. - Country Club Area Usage: Huning Castle Association
505-843-8780
»Renaissance Area: Jim Trump, Build NM Association 505-872-1662
Closing or blocking any portion of Alexander Blvd., Renaissance Blvd./Pl., Mercantile Ave., Century Dr., Pacific Rd. or Commerce Dr. requires approval from the North Renaissance Property Association. - Dust Control: Environmental Health Department 505-768-2600
When using a dirt lot or field, a Dust Permit is required. Contact the Air Quality Division at the Environmental Health Department to obtain a permit. - First Aid Station/Emergency Medical Standby Team: Albuquerque
Fire Department 505-764-6300
Food: Environmental Health Department 505-768-2600
A permit is required for on-site food preparation. Permits are available for a community event organizer or a temporary food/ beverage establishment. The Environmental Health Department issues Temporary Food Event Permits on a walk-in basis. M-F 8 a.m.- 4 p.m. Menu submittal is required. - Public Parking/ Bagged Meters: City Parking Division
505-724-3150
Special parking arrangements need to be made with the Parking Division if the event will affect parking meters or a city operated parking facility. - Pyrotechnics: Albuquerque Fire Department 505-764-6300
The Albuquerque Fire Marshal's approval is required, contact the Fire Marshal's Office for specific regulations. - Tent Permit: Albuquerque Fire Department 505-764-6300
Tent Permits are issued by the Zoning Department and the Fire Marshal's Office. - Noise Permit: Environmental Health Department 505-768-2600
Noise Permits are required and issued by the Environmental Health Department for music and/or loud noise that exceeds City Ordinances and filming that occurs between the hours of 10 p.m. and 7 a.m. - Security/Traffic Control: Chief's Overtime Program 505-768-2380
Bureau of Land Management & U.S. Forest Service
The BLM Field Office will issue "minimum impact" permits for production purposes. Permits may be issued at the BLM Field Office after it has been determined that the filming activity will have a minimum impact on public land. A reasonable amount of time is needed to process the permit; the rule of thumb is two weeks.
Albuquerque BLM Field Office
505-761-8700, fax 505-761-8911The local Forest Ranger District Office
grants permits. The permit process includes completing an application,
obtaining standard liability insurance coverage and providing a summary
of the shoot. A two-week review period is requested. Forest fire restrictions
may apply.
U.S. Forest Service
Cibola National Forest: 505-346-3900
Magdalena Ranger District: 505-854-2281
Mountainair Ranger District: 505-847-2990
Sandia Ranger District: 505-281-3304
Mt. Taylor Ranger District: 505-287-8833
National Parks
Each individual Park Superintendent issues National Park Service Permits. A two-week application-reviewing period is requested. The application process entails a $100 non-refundable application fee, a possible performance bond (depending on the extent of the shoot) and a minimum $100 per day location fee. Other costs may include Park Rangers fees to monitor production.
Petroglyph National Monument
505-899-0205, fax 505-899-0207
Salinas Pueblos Missions
505-847-2585 ext. 21, fax 505-847-2441
State Parks
All State Parks require a Special Use Permit and at least a two-week notice. The minimum cost for a Special Use Permit is $15 and increases depending on the scope and needs of the project. Permits can be issued by the Park Superintendent but may be referred to the State office, depending on the scope of the project.
Coronado Campground
Bernalillo: 505-980-8256
Rio Grande Nature Center
Albuquerque: 505-344-7240
Manzano Mountains State Park
Mountainair: 505-847-2820
State Monuments
The intent of the permit system for State Monuments is to ensure that the historic and natural features are protected and visitor use is unimpeded. A Special Use Permit and a thirty-day notice (preferred) are required for any filming intended for public viewing or commercial advertising. The administrative non-refundable fee is $50. Still photography is $100 per day and film and video is $250 per day.
Coronado State Monument
Bernalillo: 505-867-5351