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Filming & Production in Dearborn Heights, MI (2026)

3 verified filming & production rules for Dearborn Heights, Michigan, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.

Verified from official government sources

Location Permits

The City of Dearborn Heights requires a production license under Code Sec. 8-42 before any filming or stationary photography, backed by at least $1 million in liability insurance under Sec. 8-47, with unlicensed filming punishable by a $500 civil fine under Sec. 8-53.

Dearborn Heights Film Production License

Significant Restrictions

Dearborn Heights City Code §§ 8-42, 8-44, 8-47, 8-53

(a)In general. ... It shall be unlawful for any person to engage in production activity or in stationary photographic activity in the city without first having obtained a license to do so as provided in this chapter. ... (a)A production license application form submitted pursuant to section 8-43 must be accompanied by payment in full of the application processing fee. ... (G)Insurance. The lice...

Street Closures

In the City of Dearborn Heights, any production license issued under City Code Section 8-47 comes with mandatory conditions covering road and lane closures. Licensees must notify affected residents, occupants, and businesses in advance of planned closures, and vehicles may not block access without a minimum 20 feet of clearance between parked vehicles unless the city has approved a full street closure.

Street Closures for Filming in Dearborn Heights

Some Restrictions

Dearborn Heights City Code § 8-47(b)

(b)Mandatory conditions. Whether or not they are stated in any production license, and by operation of law, the following conditions are imposed upon the issuance of the following production licenses:(1)Any license that only permits stationary photographic activity and that does not permit production activity:(A)Notice to affected persons. ... there shall be notice of the duration and location ...

Student Filming

In the City of Dearborn Heights, a production license under City Code Chapter 8 is normally required before anyone films, tapes, or photographs on private or public property. Section 8-42 exempts activity done strictly for non-commercial purposes tied to an educational event or celebration, so a student project shot for school credit without pay does not need the license.

Student Filming Exemption in Dearborn Heights

Few Restrictions

Dearborn Heights City Code § 8-42

(a)In general. ... It shall be unlawful for any person to engage in production activity or in stationary photographic activity in the city without first having obtained a license to do so as provided in this chapter. ... (c)Exemptions from production license requirements. The production license requirements of this article III of this chapter 8 of the Code shall not apply to any activity consti...

Looking for Wayne County county-wide rules?

County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Dearborn Heights city rules.

Filming & Production in Wayne County