Photo by Don Graham. Licensed under CC 2.0
The city of Laguna Beach has cleared up some confusion about its photography permit policy. A broad interpretation of one of its two photography permits created a minor uproar recently, as many people took it to mean that the city was requiring a $100 permit for anyone taking photos. It seems now that this wasn`t the intention.
As it stands, the city has two permits for two different types of photography: commercial and `non-commercial`; the latter has a $50/hr rate with a minimum of two hours required. This meant, as the policy was interpreted, that anyone taking photos - including personal photos - in Laguna Beach were required to buy a $100 permit.
The non-commercial permit category`s vague description resulted in quite a bit of public complaint, and the city has chosen to rename it as a result, leaving only talk about true commercial photography on its website`s related permit page. The category was never intended to cover casual personal photography, according to a city official speaking to OC Weekly. Rather, the `non-commercial` permit category was created as a cheaper alternative to the primary commercial permit, giving photographers an option for `less complicated photo shoots such as engagement photos.`
The city`s website still specifies two different photography permits, but one with a new name: commercial and `professional still photo.` The latter carries the same $100/2hr minimum as the former `non-commercial` category, explaining that this option is for `single camera shoots such as engagement photos, wedding photos, family portraits, holiday cards, etc.` Nothing about the permit policy except the `non-commercial` verbiage has changed. However, it is now clear that personal, non-compensated photography doesn`t require a permit.
Via: OC Weekly
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