Filming & Production in Lincoln, NE

Lincoln maintains 161 local ordinances across all categories, and 3 of those deal specifically with filming & production. Here is a breakdown of what the city actually requires, what is prohibited, and where Lincoln falls on the strict-to-permissive spectrum compared to other cities.

Location Permits

Commercial filming on Lincoln public property requires a permit from the City Clerk, a $45 fee, and Mayor approval before any shoot begins.

Key details: Base permit fee: $45.00 per permit. Liability insurance required: $1,000,000 combined single limit. Issuing authority: Mayor, via City Clerk application. Arterial street restriction: Barred during weekday rush hours w/o police. Applies to: Commercial filming activities on public space.

Filming without a permit, having unpaid past-due filming fees, or knowingly interfering with a permitted film project is unlawful; the Mayor may deny or revoke a permit for bonded damage, safety risk, or nuisance grounds.

This is one of the stricter rules in Lincoln's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.

Production Noise

Lincoln can deny a commercial film permit if the shoot will cause excessive noise or create a nuisance for neighboring properties, under the Mayor's discretionary review of every filming application.

Key details: Governing section: § 14.34.060(a)(7). Reviewing official: Mayor, on Clerk referral. Basis: Excessive noise or nuisance to neighbors. Revocation trigger: Disturbance of the peace, § 14.34.110. Appeal path: City Council, § 14.34.120.

Permit denial before filming starts, or revocation mid-project under § 14.34.110 for causing a disturbance of the peace; denials and revocations may be appealed to the City Council per § 14.34.120.

This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Lincoln actively enforces its production noise requirements.

Street Closures

Lincoln won't issue a filming permit to close an arterial street during weekday rush hours unless police officers are arranged to keep traffic moving.

Key details: Permit fee: $45 per filming permit. Restricted hours: 7-9am, 11:30am-1pm, 3:30-6:30pm weekdays. Issuing authority: Mayor, via City Clerk. Insurance required: $1,000,000 liability, City as additional insured. Governing law: Lincoln Municipal Code Ch. 14.34.

Filming without a permit, or closing an arterial street during restricted hours without adequate police staffing, violates Chapter 14.34 and can bring permit denial or revocation by the Mayor.

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

The Bottom Line

Lincoln is tougher than many cities when it comes to filming & production. Out of the 3 rules covered here, 3 are rated strict. If you are a homeowner, renter, or business owner in Lincoln, take the time to understand these requirements before they become a problem. Most violations come with fines, and some repeat violations can escalate.

This guide is based on Lincoln's current municipal code. Local rules can and do change, so check the individual ordinance pages for the latest details, penalties, and FAQs.