The City of Cape Town’s newly amended Filming By-law officially comes into effect on 1 November 2025, replacing the previous Filming By-law of 2005. This updated regulation introduces a more structured and efficient approach to managing filming activities across the city — both on public and private property.

The revised by-law empowers the Film Permit Office to balance the economic benefits of film production with the needs and comfort of residents and local businesses. It also aims to minimize short-term disruptions linked to filming, ensuring a smoother relationship between the film industry and communities.

Permit officers will continue to play a vital role in maintaining this balance, supporting film productions while addressing resident concerns.

“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, aligned with the City’s Film Policy approved in 2022, ensure efficient and sustainable management of film permitting processes that take residents’ rights into account.”

said Alderman JP Smith, Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security

The Events and Film Department, together with the Safety and Security Portfolio Committee, has worked to streamline the film permit process while incorporating feedback from both residents and industry representatives.

“When reviewing the filming by-law, our goal was to balance residents’ rights with an enabling environment for the film industry to thrive.

The result is a framework that is fair to all parties and empowers the City to take action and issue fines where there is non-compliance.”

explained Councillor Mzwakhe Nqavashe, Chairperson of the Safety and Security Portfolio Committee

Key Objectives of the New Filming By-law

• Manage and regulate filming on both private and public property in a consistent, effective, and sustainable manner.
• Identify which types of filming activities require a permit.
• Simplify the film permit application and appeals process.
• Enable the City to enforce compliance and issue fines when necessary.
• Protect the City and its authorised officials when performing duties under the by-law.

This modernised approach strengthens collaboration between local government, residents, and the film industry — fostering an environment where creativity and community coexist.

The Filming By-law can be viewed on the City of Cape Town’s official website:
👉 View the Filming By-law (PDF)