Drones for Business/Commercial purposes - photography / filming
An experimental airworthiness certificate or a Certificate of Waiver or Authorization (COA) may be obtained from the FAA. If we should allow drone activity once we have seen the FAA approval, we will require $5 million insurance coverage. Proof of BOTH of these requirements is necessary before being considered for City permitting to fly any Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) under 55 pounds.
All Pilots in Command (PIC) must hold a Commercial small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (sUAS) Pilot Certificate.
If you are a media company, you may use a drone (UAS,) but must adhere to the requirements of the FAA’s Section 333 grant of exemption or the Small UAS Rule (Part 107). Organizations may request a waiver under Part 107 to fly over people, and will need to provide sufficient mitigations to ensure public safety. Operators certified via FAA Part 107 need to research the Section 333 regulations, which will assist them in clearing the way for their needs all of which is outlined on FAA.gov/uas.
Mountain View also has guidance on FAA regulations that state that you cannot fly a drone within a five-mile radius of an airport, which includes areas such as Moffett Field, without first contacting/notifying any and all nearby control towers.
Completed packets include:
Other forms and/or fees as required
High-impact photography is generally associated with professional shoots that significantly impact City-owned property or the Public Right-of-Way, either by utilizing a large area of City-property, negatively impacting the property, or requiring additional permits or fees (such as: traffic control, parking requests, facilities rentals, or street closures) prior to use. Typically, these shoots include a crew with a photographer(s), assistants and talent.
Weddings, and wedding parties, are considered high-impact photography and, under most circumstances, require a Use Agreement fee be paid. Please contact the City Manager’s Office to learn more about whether a particular shoot is subject to the fee.
Low-impact Photography:
Low-impact photography is generally associated with smaller shoots that do not significantly impact City-owned property or the Public Right-of-Way. Examples of low-impact photography include: photography that does not require additional permits, small group shoots with limited subjects and crew (ex: one photographer, 1-5 subjects) like an engagement or immediate family photography session, and shoots with little to no impact on property.
Please note that low-impact photography requires a Photography and Film Permit be completed and submitted to the City Manager’s Office following all required criteria and forms as requested.
Access to sensitive habitat, particularly areas in and around Shoreline Regional Park, is restricted. Please be sure to stay on designated paths and trails when photographing in and around sensitive wildlife and habitat.
City Logos: No City insignia, uniform, vehicle, equipment, personnel identified or identifiable as such may be used or filmed without the written consent of the City. The issuance of a film permit does not constitute such consent.
Food Service: Catering truck parking and food service shall occur on private property. Craft service tables may not be set up in the public right-of-way or sidewalks. If food is prepared on site, all temporary food facilities must comply with applicable requirements of the California Uniform Retail Food Facilities Law. If food is catered, the provider must have a valid health permit and measures taken to ensure that the food served is pure, free from contamination, adulteration and spoilage.
Littering & Refuse: No littering is permitted and all garbage must be cleaned up completely when leaving the location.
Electrical/Generator Restrictions:
Other restrictions and provisions may apply, including additional applicable County of Santa Clara permits and approvals.