CITY MANAGER’S OFFICE
CITY HALL
10300 TORRE AVENUE • CUPERTINO, CA 95014-3255
TELEPHONE: (408) 777-3212
CUPERTINO.GOV
CITY COUNCIL STAFF REPORT
Date: December 2, 2025
Subject
Amendments to the Fiscal Year (FY) 2025-26 Fee Schedule to establish a new fee for Film Permit Applications and Film Production Recommended Action
Adopt Resolution No. 25-___ to amend the City’s Master Fee Schedule – Schedule A – to establish a new fee for Film Permit Applications and Film Production Background
On December 2, the City Council is scheduled to conduct the second reading and enact Ordinance No. 25-2279 to establish Chapter 5.51 to regulate film production in the City. The proposed Ordinance establishes an efficient mechanism for entities desiring to undertake commercial filming in the City, authorizes the City to collect permit fees to recover administrative and operational costs associated with the processing, review, and issuance of film permits.
Reasons for Recommendation and Available Options
The City Attorney’s Office reviewed film permit fees from neighboring cities and others with demographics comparable to Cupertino, considered its own expected costs related to such film activities within the City and developed proposed fees to ensure the City recovers its costs associated with commercial film production within the City. Staff recommends amending the Fiscal Year 2025-26 Fee Schedule A to incorporate the proposed film production fees, as shown in Attachments B and C.
This fee schedule amendment, accompanied with the new Ordinance, will allow the City to establish a permitting procedure that provides a clear process for organizing filming within the City and generates revenue to reimburse the City for its efforts in supporting the commercial efforts of film production activities within the City.
Sustainability Impact
No sustainability impact.
Fiscal Impact
In adopting the associated fee schedule, future film production within the City should not be a drain on the City’s finances. Revenue collected from this fee will be deposited in the City Manager’s Office Communication Division budget (100-12-126).
City Work Program (CWP) Item/Description
None
Council Goal:
Fiscal Strategy
California Environmental Quality Act
No California Environmental Quality Act impact.
_____________________________________
Prepared by: Astrid Robles, Senior Management Analyst
Reviewed by: Kirsten Squarcia, Interim Deputy City Manager and City Clerk Floy Andrews, Interim City Attorney
Approved for Submission by: Tina Kapoor, City Manager
Attachments:
A – Draft Resolution
B – Exhibit A - FY2025-26 Fee Schedule A - General Fees (Redline) C – Exhibit A - FY2025-26 Fee Schedule A - General Fees (Clean)