Ordinance Permitting Motion Picture and Television Production, and Unmanned Aircraft Systems, and Adoption of a Filming Operations Permit Policy

The City of Sonoma is implementing a comprehensive regulatory framework to govern commercial motion picture and television production as well as unmanned aircraft systems operations through the repeal of SMC Chapter 7.40 and the adoption of new SMC Chapter 7.42, accompanied by a formal Filming Operations Permit Policy. This initiative establishes clear administrative procedures for applying for, reviewing, and approving permits for filming and drone activities within city limits, ensuring consistent regulatory oversight and operational compliance. The policy is grounded in local governance and environmental compliance under the California Environmental Quality Act, with specific exemptions cited under Guidelines Sections 15061(b)(3) and 15378 to streamline approvals for certain activities that do not have significant environmental impacts. A fee structure exists for environmental documentation, with documented payments totaling amounts such as $4,123.50, $2,968.75, and others, though these are administrative costs tied to CEQA compliance rather than contract pricing. The lead agency for this regulatory change is the City of Sonoma’s Community Development Department, with Jennifer Gates, the Community Development Director, serving as the primary point of contact. The place of performance is explicitly confined to the City of Sonoma, California, and no federal procurement mechanisms, FAR clauses, or traditional contract execution elements such as CLINs, delivery schedules, or award evaluation criteria are applicable, as this is not a procurement contract but a municipal ordinance. Supporting documentation for fee exemptions includes a Notice of Exemption, a CDFW No Effect Determination, and a copy of a previously issued cash receipt, all referenced informally without formal attachment labeling. Payment methods accepted are cash, credit, or check, managed through the Sonoma County Clerk’s office, and no electronic invoicing systems, procurement codes, or federal identification numbers like UEI or CAGE are involved. The entire process is designed to regulate local filming and drone activity through locally developed standards without invoking federal contracting procedures or obligations.