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Regulatory Handbook -> Recreation -> Filming and Photography Permit

Filming and Photography Permit

What is the Purpose of this Permit?
Film and Photography Permits are required for commercial filming, professional still photography, and educational filming / photography in Washington State Parks.
Who Issues this Permit?
Washington State Parks and Recreation
What Activities Require this Permit?
Commercial filming, professional still photography, and educational filming and photography.
How Much Will this Permit Cost?
The fee is $100 if the completed application is received more than 7 days prior to the date of filming or photography. An expedited fee of $200 is required if the completed application is received less than 7 days prior to filming or photography. Permits for some non-commercial, educational endeavors may be obtained without paying a permit fee. Additional fees may be assessed/negotiated based on the disruption of normal park use and activities.
Where Can I Get the Application for this Permit?
The application is online and can be accessed at http://parks.state.wa.us/209/Filming-Photography-Permits.
How Long Will it Take to Review my Application?
The estimated processing time for a completed application is up to 60 days.
Notes / Comments:
Helpdesk and Subject Matter Expert Phone/email:
Permit Timeliness Results

Permit Timeliness data collection is in response to a State Auditor’s Performance Audit and RCW 43.42A. Each regulatory agency developed a plan to improve permit clarity, predictability, and timeliness. Each agency considers the customers experience to ensure permit assistance is simple to use, easy to access, and designed in a customer-friendly manner. Agencies report progress to the Governor’s Office for Regulatory Innovation and Assistance (ORIA). ORIA prepares and distributes reports, with participation from the State Auditor’s Office and Results Washington. See latest report here: https://www.oria.wa.gov/ORIA-2018-PermitTimelinessProgressReport.pdf.

All permits submitted for reporting were entered into this Regulatory Handbook. Here are the results of the performance data:

Estimated Time Required By the Agency to Process a Permit Application (Definition)
Average number of days from Receipt to Complete: 1
Maximum number of days from Receipt to Complete: 20

Estimated Time Required By the Agency to Issue a Permit Decision (Definition)
Average number of days from Complete Application to Decision: 6.7
Maximum number of days from Complete Application to Decision: 20

(Summary results based on 39 submittals in 2020)

Where can I get permitting assistance?
Helpdesk phone: See notes/comments for contact information
Publications:
Applicant File Process Package and updated agency procedure in finalized September 2016 and is currently beginning implementation statewide.
Statewide Contact:
Washington State Parks and Recreation
Headquarters
1111 Israel Road SW
PO Box 42650
Tumwater, WA 98504-2650
Telephone: (360) 902-8844
Email: infocent@parks.wa.gov
Website: https://parks.state.wa.us
* Permit information last updated 3/3/2020
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