How Franklin Handles Filming & Production: A Practical Guide

Franklin maintains 127 local ordinances across all categories, and 2 of those deal specifically with filming & production. Here is a breakdown of what the city actually requires, what is prohibited, and where Franklin falls on the strict-to-permissive spectrum compared to other cities.

Street Closures

Franklin, Tennessee requires any film, video, or photography production that wants to close or restrict a public street to spell that out in its permit application to the city administrator. City Code § 16-604(1)(a) makes street-closure identification the first required item on the application, and § 16-603 conditions any use of a public street, road, alley, right-of-way, or facility on getting that permit first.

Key details: Governing section: Franklin Municipal Code § 16-604(1)(a). Permit required from: City administrator, § 16-603. Application fee: $100.00 nonrefundable. Rush fee: $300.00 for 4 days' notice or less. Parking reservation fee: $50.00 per space per day.

Appendix A charges $100.00 for the nonrefundable film-permit application, $300.00 if the production applies with four days' notice or less, and $50.00 per reserved parking space per day for any street closure. Changing an approved permit costs $100.00 per approved change or $200.00 per unapproved change. The city administrator may revoke a permit without notice under § 16-607 for violating its terms, submitting false information, lapsing on insurance, or endangering public health, safety, or welfare.

This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Franklin actively enforces its street closures requirements.

Location Permits

Franklin requires a city permit before using public streets or property for professional photography production, though photography for news gathering or law-enforcement investigations is exempt.

Key details: Covers: professional photography on public property. News exemption: news gathering, law enforcement, courts. Permitting office: City administrator. Governing sections: §§ 16-602, 16-603.

Shooting a commercial still-photography production on Franklin public property without a chapter 16-6 permit is unlawful and can lead to permit denial for future productions.

The Bottom Line

Franklin's filming & production rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Franklin is broadly strict or permissive.

All of the above reflects Franklin's municipal code as of our last review. If you need specifics on fines, exemptions, or filing requirements, the detailed ordinance pages linked above have the full breakdown.