Filming & Production in New Orleans, LA (2026)
3 verified filming & production rules for New Orleans, Louisiana, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
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.
New Orleans Film Location Permit Rules
Some RestrictionsNew Orleans Code of Ordinances § 30-1705
(a)A film location permit is required for any filming that involves:(1)Reserving parking on the public right-of-way;(2)Controlling the public right-of-way;(3)Filming in public parks or greenspaces;(4)Filming on any other city property; or(5)Simulating gunfire or explosions.(b)A film location permit shall not be issued unless a film permit for the film project has been issued.(c)A separate film ...
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.
New Orleans Filming Noise Variance Rule
Some RestrictionsNew Orleans Code of Ordinances § 30-1715
(a)Simulated gunfire or explosions related to filming may not take place except in accordance with an issued film location permit.(b)Approval for simulated gunfire or explosions is granted at the discretion of the film office in accordance with its rules and regulations, and with approval of the fire department.(c)The film office shall permit only one-quarter rounds of simulated gunfire.(d)If t...
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.
New Orleans Film Street Closure Authority
Significant RestrictionsNew Orleans Code of Ordinances § 30-1703(a)(2)
(a)The film office is authorized to approve the following activities for filming purposes in accordance with this article, notwithstanding any requirements contained elsewhere in this Code, and after consultation with and approval by the department of public works:(1)The use of parking lanes;(2)The closure of a city street or other public right-of-way;(3)Intermittent traffic control; and(4)Simu...