Calgary Economic Development
Key Industries : Film
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Special Effects, Weapons, Explosives, Stunts, Loud Noises or Helicopters
Key Industries | Film | Special Effects, Weapons, Explosives, Stunts, Loud Noises or Helicopters 

 
 
 


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The Film, Television & Creative Industries office must be notified at least five (5) working days in advance of any scenes requiring special effects, stunts, loud noises, visible weapons (whether being fired or not), and helicopters or low-flying aircraft. Verbal and written notification to residents and businesses must also make reference to these activities. The City of Calgary reserves the right to have production companies survey affected residents before permits are issued in these cases.

The presence of the Calgary Police Service and/or Fire Department staff is usually required during this type of filming and will be coordinated by the Film, Television & Creative Industries office. Please review the EMS, Fire and Police Assistance guidelines.

Community Standards Bylaw The City has enacted a Community Standards Bylaw setting out permitted sound levels measured at the point of reception for continuous sounds.

These levels are:
Point of Reception Continuous Sound Non-Continuous Sound
Day-time Night-time Day-time Night-time
Residential Development 65 dBALeq (1 hr) 55dBALeq (1 hr) 85 dBALeq (15 min) 75 dBALeq(15 min)
  or Ambient+5dBA Leq (2 hr)
Non-Residential Development 85 dBA Leq (1 hr)or Ambient +5 bBA Leq (2 hr) 85 dBA Leq (1 hr)


Download Community Standards Bylaw (PDF)

Notes
  • "Continuous Sound" means any Sound Level that occurs:
    (i) for a continuous duration of more than 3 minutes; or
    (ii) sporadically for a total of more than 3 minutes, in any continuous 15 minute time period.
  • "Daytime" means the period:
    (i) beginning at 7 a.m. sounds, as well as
    daytime hours and ending at 10 p.m. of the same day on weekdays and;
    (ii) beginning at 9 a.m. and ending at 10 p.m. of the same day on a weekend.
  • "Night-time" means the period beginning at 10 p.m. and ending the following day at:
    (i) 7 a.m. if the following day is a weekday; or
    (ii) 9 a.m. if the following day is a weekend.
Sounds that exceed these levels may be temporarily exempted by permit from the Chief Bylaw Enforcement Officer. There is no cost for this permit. Applications for the permit may be made through the Film, Television & Creative Industries office.

Related Links
Calgary Fire Department
Emergency Medical Services Assistance
Calgary Police Service