New Orleans's Filming & Production: The Rules That Matter
Every city handles filming & production a little differently. In New Orleans, Louisiana, there are 3 distinct rules that residents and property owners should be aware of. Some are stricter than what neighboring cities enforce, and others are more relaxed. Here is what you need to know.
Location Permits
New Orleans requires a separate film location permit for any filming that reserves or controls the public right-of-way, uses a public park or other city property, or involves simulated gunfire or explosions. The Film Office, part of the Mayor's Office of Cultural Economy, issues it under Code of Ordinances § 30-1705 for a $25 application fee and $25 permit fee.
Key details: Governing section: Code of Ordinances § 30-1705. Issuing agency: Film Office, Mayor's Office of Cultural Economy. Application fee: $25 (film location permit). Permit fee: $25 (film location permit). Filing deadline: 4 business days (≤5 days) / 6 (6+ days).
A film location permit is a regulated privilege, not a right, and § 30-1705(f) allows the city to revoke or suspend it at any time. Applications missing the § 30-1711 filing deadline are denied outright. Signage required for the permitted area must come down within ten days of the permit's expiration or the earlier end of filming; leftover signage is deemed a violation of § 134-121 and is subject to that section's penalties.
Street Closures
The Film Office can approve closing a city street or other public right-of-way for filming under Code of Ordinances § 30-1703(a)(2), but only after consultation with and approval by the department of public works, and every decision is discretionary and cannot turn on the content of the film.
Key details: Governing section: Code of Ordinances § 30-1703(a)(2). Approving agency: Film Office, with DPW consultation/approval. Standard: Fully discretionary, content-neutral review. Priority: Public health, welfare and safety. Required documentation: Closure schematic, § 30-1710(b)(1).
Closing or using a street for filming without the Film Office's approval, obtained in consultation with the department of public works, is unauthorized use of the public right-of-way. Because § 30-1703(c) gives the Film Office discretion to require changes or deny alternate closure arrangements to protect public safety and quality of life, noncompliance with imposed conditions can lead to the underlying film location permit being revoked or suspended under § 30-1705(f).
This is one of the stricter rules in New Orleans's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.
Production Noise
New Orleans confines a film shoot's loudest effects, simulated gunfire and explosions, to what an issued film location permit allows. If that noise happens after 10:00 p.m. or before 7:00 a.m., § 30-1715 requires the producer to first obtain a health department noise variance waiver under § 66-177 before the location permit can issue.
Key details: Governing section: Code of Ordinances § 30-1715. Regulated activity: Simulated gunfire/explosions tied to filming. Effect cap: One-quarter rounds of simulated gunfire only. After-hours window: After 10:00 p.m. or before 7:00 a.m.. Required waiver: Health dept. noise variance, § 66-177.
Using simulated gunfire or explosions without an issued film location permit, exceeding the one-quarter-round cap, or triggering the after-10-p.m./before-7-a.m. window without the required health department noise variance waiver violates § 30-1715 and can result in the film location permit being revoked or suspended under § 30-1705(f), independent of any enforcement the health department pursues under the underlying § 66-177 variance requirement.
The Bottom Line
New Orleans'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 New Orleans is broadly strict or permissive.
This guide is based on New Orleans's current municipal code. Local rules can and do change, so check the individual ordinance pages for the latest details, penalties, and FAQs.