3309.5 Production Company Special Effects Permit

The commissioner may issue a production company special effects permit to a television, motion picture or theatrical production company that regularly conducts special effects at a designated location within a specific building or structure in accordance with FC 3309.5.1 through 3309.5.4.

A production company special effects permit shall authorize the permit holder to conduct certain special effects at one or more designated locations within a specific building or structure for a specified period of time, not to exceed 1 year, without obtaining special effects permits for each display or other event, and shall authorize the permit holder to store in a central storage facility the materials, articles or devices used to create such special effects.

A production company special effects permit shall specify the number and kind of materials, articles or devices to be used and stored for use, and shall set forth such other terms and conditions as the commissioner may prescribe for the safe conduct of the special effects or the storage of such materials, articles or devices at such locations.

The commissioner shall review each application for a production company special effects permit and shall grant such application only if the commissioner is satisfied that the production company can meet the requirements of this section. Permit applications shall contain a special effects display plan, including the following information and such other information and documentation as the commissioner may prescribe:

1. The address of the designated building or structure and the specific location or locations within such building or structure at which the special effects or other events are to be conducted.
2. A description of the type of productions in connection with which special effects are to be conducted.
3. A plan of the layout of each special effects location, including the arrangement of any set, scenery, rigging, or equipment, and the proximity of the persons conducting the special effects and any assistants, performers, or audience.
4. A description of the special effect to be created.
5. The amount and types of the pyrotechnic material, articles or devices to be discharged or otherwise used or stored for use, or other materials, articles or devices to be used or stored for use in creating the special effects.
6. The frequency with which the special effects are to be conducted.
7. The names of all persons personally supervising the storage, handling and discharge or other use of the materials, articles or devices used for the special effects and their certificate of fitness numbers.
8. Design and installation documents for the central storage facility in which the materials, articles or devices used to create the special effects are to be stored.

A production company special effects permit holder shall be responsible for the safe conduct of the special effects and the safe storage and handling of all materials, articles or devices used therefore, in the manner prescribed by the commissioner, including:

1. The construction and maintenance of a central storage facility in compliance with all applicable federal, state and local laws, rules and regulations, including all permit and fire protection requirements, and ensuring adequate security of such facility.
2. Ensuring compliance with all applicable laws, rules and regulations, including the federal, state and local laws, rules and regulations governing the transportation of all pyrotechnic materials, articles and devices and all other materials, articles or devices of an explosive, flammable, or combustible nature, and the permit, labeling and fire protection requirements thereof.
3. Ensuring that all special effects are conducted by a person holding a certificate of fitness for special effects, and all materials, articles or devices for such purpose are handled and stored by or under the supervision of such a person, as required by this section.
4. Ensuring compliance with the directions of department representatives.
5. Obtaining a liability and casualty insurance policy as set forth in FC3301.2.4(4).