Filming on the Las Vegas Strip: Understanding Jurisdictions, Permits, and Sidewalk Rules

If you're planning to film on Las Vegas Boulevard — the iconic Strip — one of the first things you need to understand is that "Las Vegas" is not a single jurisdiction. The Strip is divided between multiple governing bodies, and getting your permits wrong can shut down your production before it starts.
The Two-Jurisdiction Split on the Strip
Las Vegas Boulevard South is split at Sahara Avenue:- South of Sahara Avenue (the main Strip resort corridor, from Mandalay Bay to the Stratosphere/STRAT): This falls under Clark County jurisdiction. Film permits here are $45 and processed through Clark County.- North of Sahara Avenue: This section falls under the City of Las Vegas jurisdiction. Film permits here are free, processed through the City of Las Vegas Public Works office.
The famous "Welcome to Las Vegas" sign at the south end of the Strip is in Clark County.
What Permits Do You Need?
For both Clark County and City of Las Vegas permits, you'll need:1. A completed film permit application2. $1 million in general liability insurance (Certificate of Insurance)3. A signed Hold Harmless Agreement4. Registration with the Nevada Film Office (required for all Nevada productions)
Processing time is typically 5-10 business days. Neither office processes permits on Fridays, federal holidays, or state holidays.
The Sidewalk Problem
Here's where most out-of-town productions get tripped up: the majority of sidewalks along the Strip resort corridor are privately owned by the adjacent casinos. A public street film permit does NOT give you the right to film on those sidewalks.
For casino-controlled sidewalks, you must contact the property directly and obtain their permission, separate from any government permit. This includes many of the most visually iconic stretches of the Strip.
The Fremont Street Exception
Fremont Street Experience (downtown Las Vegas) has its own dual-permit system:1. An approved City of Las Vegas film permit2. A separate FSE-specific film permit signed by Fremont Street Experience directly
Both are required before any filming can begin on the covered Fremont Street promenade. Note that filming the Viva Vision light shows is prohibited without separate written authorization.
Other Las Vegas-Area Jurisdictions
The wider Las Vegas metro area actually covers six distinct jurisdictions:- City of Las Vegas- Clark County (unincorporated)- City of Henderson- City of North Las Vegas- Boulder City- City of Mesquite
Each has its own film permit process. If your production covers multiple locations across the metro area, you may need permits from more than one jurisdiction. The Nevada Film Office's Jurisdiction Locator tool can help you determine which office covers any specific address.
Police Requirements
Depending on the nature of your production (traffic control, stunts, crowd scenes, pyrotechnics), Las Vegas Metro Police (LVMPD) or Nevada Highway Patrol may need to be on-site. Your permitting office will advise whether officer presence is required based on your specific activities.
Need Help Navigating the Strip Permits?
At Commonwealth Productions, we handle the entire permitting process on your behalf. We know which jurisdictions cover which blocks, which casino PR contacts to call, and exactly what paperwork each agency needs. Contact us at samson@cwp.vegas or (702) 706-1885 to get your Strip production moving.