Film Locations Glossary
Encroachment permit
What is an encroachment permit?
Also called street use permit, or right of way permit.
An encroachment permit authorises a production to occupy or obstruct part of the public right of way: a sidewalk, a parking lane, a verge, or the airspace above it.
It is separate from the film permit itself and is often issued by a different department, typically public works or transportation. Cranes, condors, scaffold, and cable crossings over sidewalks all tend to require one.
Example
A condor parked in a parking lane with its arm over the sidewalk needs an encroachment permit from public works, separate from the film permit and issued by a different department on a different timeline.
Figures are illustrative, chosen to show the mechanics rather than to quote market rates.
Where you'll see it
Obtained from the roads or public works authority for anything occupying the public right of way.
Common mistake
Assuming the film permit covers the sidewalk. Occupying the public right of way is usually a separate permit from a separate department on a separate timeline.
Related questions
- When does a production need an encroachment permit?
- Whenever equipment, vehicles, or structures occupy the public right of way, including cranes and condors whose arms swing over a sidewalk.
- Who issues encroachment permits?
- The public works, transportation, or highways authority that controls the road, rather than the film office that issues the filming permit.