New Filming By-law in effect from 1 November 2025

The new City of Cape Town Filming By-Law will come into effect on 1 November 2025. The new by-law will replace the recently repealed Filming By-Law of 2005. 

This new amended by-law will allow the Film Permit Office to better manage filming activity on private and public property. It will also assist the Film Office to balance the economic benefits of filming activities with the needs of residents and businesses as well as ease any short-term disruptions linked to filming. 

At the same time, permitting officers will play an important role in assisting both residents and the film industry by managing the impact of filming activities. This is to ensure a balanced approach that respects community concerns while also supporting permitted productions.   

‘The film industry landscape has evolved since the promulgation of the Filming By-Law in 2005 and as the City, we always want our legislation to align with current industry standards. These amendments are also in line with the City’s Film Policy, approved by council in 2022, that called for more efficient management and regulation of film-related activities. We believe these changes will provide comfort to all residents, affected role-players and stakeholders that we are managing the film permitting processes in an efficient, effective and sustainable manner that takes their rights into consideration,’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security Alderman JP Smith. 

The Events and Film Department, in consultation with the Safety and Security Portfolio Committee, has formulated a document that streamlines the permission process for the film industry, while also addressing the concerns of residents. 

‘When we started the process of reviewing the filming by-law, we wanted to ensure that we find a balance between the rights of residents and providing an environment that is enabling the film industry to thrive. During the public participation process, we heard the voices of our residents as well as those representing the film industry, and we have produced a framework that will be fair to both. It will also ensure that the City can act against those who fail to comply and institute fines for contravening the Filming By-law,’ said the Chairperson of the Safety and Security Portfolio Committee, Councillor Mzwakhe Nqavashe. 

The City’s Filming By-law aims to, among other things: 

• Manage and regulate filming activities on private and public property in an effective, consistent and sustainable manner 

• Identify the types of filming activities that require a film permit 

• Simplify the film permit application and appeals process 

• Allow the City to act to ensure compliance 

• Protect the City and authorised City officials when carrying out any duty or function in terms of this By-law                                                                                                                                                

The Filming By-law will foster an efficient and safe environment for filming that benefits the film industry, local businesses, and the public, while strengthening the relationship between local government, residents, and industry stakeholders.