Filming & Production in Syracuse, NY

If you live in Syracuse or are thinking about moving there, filming & production are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. Syracuse has 2 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of filming & production, and some of them might surprise you.

Location Permits

Syracuse's Film Permit Ordinance, Revised General Ordinances § 24-72, bars filming or videotaping on any city-owned property, including parks and the public right-of-way, without a film permit from the commissioner of public works. Park shoots need a second sign-off from the commissioner of parks, recreation and youth programs before the permit can issue.

Key details: Permit required: Yes, Sec. 24-72, before any city-property filming. Issuing agency: Commissioner of public works. Park shoots: Also need Parks/Rec/Youth commissioner approval. Application deadline: At least 10 days before filming. Insurance: CGL required, city as additional insured.

Article 15 sets no standalone fine for filming without a permit, so the citywide default in Sec. 1-8 applies: a violation is an offense punishable by up to a $150.00 fine, up to 150 days imprisonment, or both, or a civil penalty up to $500.00 recoverable by the city, and the corporation counsel can sue to enjoin unpermitted production activity on city property.

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

Street Closures

Syracuse's film permit rules reach every city right-of-way, not just parks: Sec. 24-70 applies Article 15 to "all areas of the city right-of-way," and Sec. 24-74 makes a production pay the actual cost of any metered parking spaces its filming obstructs, on top of a flat $50.00 liability waiver fee.

Key details: Scope: Covers city right-of-way, not just parks (Sec. 24-70). Metered parking cost: Production pays cost of spaces obstructed. Liability waiver fee: $50.00 flat, Sec. 24-74. Underlying permit: Sec. 24-72 film permit required first. Application notice: At least 10 days ahead (Sec. 24-73).

Obstructing city streets or metered parking for filming without the Sec. 24-72 permit, or without paying the metered-space cost required by Sec. 24-74, falls under the citywide default penalty in Sec. 1-8: an offense punishable by up to a $150.00 fine, up to 150 days imprisonment, or both, or a civil penalty up to $500.00, in addition to the city's authority to seek an injunction against continued unpermitted street use.

The Bottom Line

Syracuse'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 Syracuse is broadly strict or permissive.

Keep in mind that Syracuse can amend these rules at any council meeting. For the most current version of any rule mentioned here, check the specific ordinance page, where we track updates as they happen.