Filming & Production in Sterling Heights, MI (2026)
4 verified filming & production rules for Sterling Heights, Michigan, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Location Permits
Sterling Heights requires a Film Office permit for any commercial filming outside an enclosed studio, with fees covering staff time and public-property use.
Film Permit Required in Sterling Heights
Significant RestrictionsSterling Heights Code of Ordinances § 12-152
Except as otherwise provided in this article, it is unlawful for any person to engage in the business or activity of filming at any place within the city, other than at or in an established motion picture or television studio or entirely within an enclosed structure or building (with no outside storage of filming equipment) without a film permit from the city. Any person interested in filming w...
Production Noise
Sterling Heights lets the Film Office restrict noisy filming activity under Code of Ordinances § 12-160(A), covering gunfire, sirens, public address systems, bull horns, and other loud noise generated during a permitted shoot. The restriction applies as a condition attached to a film permit rather than a blanket ban, and violating an imposed condition can lead to permit revocation and prosecution.
Sterling Heights Filming Noise Restrictions
Some RestrictionsSterling Heights Code of Ordinances § 12-160(A)
In addition to the criteria listed in this article, the city shall also investigate the application with respect to the following special circumstances and may impose conditions if warranted: (A) Noise. Filming activities which produce unusual noise such as gunfire, sirens, public address systems, bull horns, or any other loud noises may be restricted to mitigate the effects of the activity.
Street Closures
Sterling Heights bars anyone from closing a city street or alley for filming, or parking vehicles and equipment on one, without city authorization under Code of Ordinances § 12-166(A)-(B). A street or alley closure additionally requires signed approval from at least 70% of the adjacent dwelling units and businesses, submitted to the Film Office 48 hours before the closure.
Sterling Heights Filming Street Closure Rules
Significant RestrictionsSterling Heights Code of Ordinances § 12-166(A)-(D)
(A) No person shall close any city street or alley, unless first authorized by the city. (B) No person shall park a vehicle or place equipment associated with filming on any street or alley, except where parking is lawfully permitted. (C) The permittee shall post "No Parking" signs, as required by the Film Office, at least 24 hours prior to the scheduled start time of the filming. ...
Student Filming
Sterling Heights exempts student films from its Film Permit Ordinance under Code of Ordinances § 12-153(H), but only when the production does not use or affect public ways and is not shot outdoors in a residential area. A student film is defined in § 12-154 as a motion picture or video production by a school or college student, made for academic credit, from which no profit is taken.
Sterling Heights Student Film Permit Exemption
Light RestrictionsSterling Heights Code of Ordinances § 12-153(H); § 12-154
(H) The creation of a student film, unless the filming activities utilize or adversely impact public ways or are conducted outdoors in residential areas; ... STUDENT FILM. A motion picture film or video recording production by a student of a public or private school or college where the production is for school or college credit and from which no profit is taken.
Looking for Macomb County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Sterling Heights city rules.
Filming & Production in Macomb County →