Twin Cities film permits: when you need one in Minneapolis and St. Paul

You need an obstruction permit for commercial film or photography work on any Minneapolis street, sidewalk, or alley.

The city's film page says it charges no fee for a one-day permit, and its obstruction permit page says there is no cost for the permit. Closing a travel or parking lane, hooding meters, and hiring traffic control agents can still add costs, so ask before you plan a multi-day shoot.

The city's permit pages give no general lead time. It does require 24 hours' notice to hood meters and 48 hours' notice to post No Parking signs, so apply well before that.

Inside City Hall is separate. You need a signed agreement with the Municipal Building Commission first.

Sources: City of Minneapolis film or video permit, City of Minneapolis obstruction permit

Commercial video and still shoots in Minneapolis parks need a Park Board permit, and the Board must receive your application at least 10 days before the shoot.

Low impact means fewer than five crew, fewer than ten talent, no more than two crew trucks, and no semi-trailers.

• Insurance: a certificate for $250,000/$750,000 bodily injury and $300,000 property damage, naming the Park Board as an additional named insured.
• One permit, one place: you can shoot only at the park your permit lists.
• Changes: a change needs a new permit, plus $50 per change order for video or $35 for stills. The Board has a no refund policy and allows one date change, at least 10 business days before the original date.
• Off limits: the Board does not permit film or photo shoots in Eloise Butler Wildflower Garden and Bird Sanctuary or Roberts Bird Sanctuary.
• Roads and paths: closing a street or path takes a separate Use and Event permit. Some vehicles on parkways need a Parkway Use permit.

Sources: Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board permits, Park Board drone policy

St. Paul splits this between two offices, and a shoot can need both.

Streets and public space. Public Works issues a media permit for production in the public space, including advertising, documentaries, film programming, and photography.

The fee is $10 on the city's 2025 schedule. You apply through PAULIE, the city's permit portal.

The city also requires an obstruction permit whenever equipment is placed in the right of way, and parking lanes, sidewalks, and hooded meters carry their own fees. The city's permit page gives no lead time, so ask the Right of Way Permit Desk at 651-266-6151 what your shoot needs before you book.

Parks. Parks and Recreation requires a permit for all commercial filming and still photography on property it maintains. Applications must arrive at least 10 days before the shoot. You need a permit for each shoot day, and a copy on location.

The commercial rate covers corporate productions, commercials, music videos, and documentaries. Rates add state and local sales tax unless you are tax exempt.

• Insurance: $1,500,000 per claim and $3,000,000 aggregate, with the City of Saint Paul as additional insured. City documents give deadlines from 7 days to 15 business days before the shoot, so plan for the longer one.
• Changes and cancellations: a change costs $25. Cancelling costs a processing fee, and a permit issued within 48 hours of the shoot is not refundable.
• Como Park Zoo and Conservatory: it has its own fees and requirements, so check with them directly.
• Extra costs: public safety personnel, meter hooding, barricades, and road closures can add fees.

Questions go to the Parks Permit Office at 651-266-6400.

Sources: Saint Paul right of way permits, Saint Paul obstruction permits, Saint Paul right of way fee schedule, Saint Paul film and photo permits, Saint Paul park rules

State Capitol. The Legislature says there are few limits on photos inside the Capitol, including tripods and flash. You need permission for a shoot with a lot of equipment, such as stand-alone lighting, or one that takes up public space for a length of time.

Public photos are not allowed from the House and Senate galleries during session.

Private events are not permitted outdoors on Capitol grounds, and event requests are due at least 7 days ahead. Many take several weeks.

Neither the Legislature nor the Department of Administration spells out commercial video, so call the Department of Administration's Facilities Management office at 651-201-2300 before you schedule.

State parks. The DNR requires a permit for filming that uses paid models or actors, props, or a set, involves products for commercial advertising, uses a drone or an unattended camera, needs a closed area or after-hours access, or could disrupt visitors, affect resources, or pose a safety risk.

Minnesota Rules 6100.0550 also requires a written permit for commercial uses of state parks, so ask even if none of these apply.

Start with the park or area supervisor, and allow up to 30 days for review. The DNR may require a certificate of liability insurance.

Sources: Minnesota Legislature, Department of Administration, Minnesota DNR, Minnesota Rules 6100.0550

Minneapolis lists streets, sidewalks, alleys, park property, and City Hall as the places it regulates for film work. St. Paul's media permit covers the public space. Neither lists private property, so start with the owner's written permission.

That changes the moment the shoot reaches the curb. Blocking a sidewalk or reserving street parking for a truck brings the street permits back in.

For people on camera, use a signed appearance release. For the property, use a location release. These are contracts between you and them, not city permits, so have your attorney approve the wording.

Want to skip the street and park permits? An indoor shoot at a private studio such as Studio 402 doesn't need one. Still weighing it? Compare a studio vs on-location shoot.

Source: City of Minneapolis obstruction permit