Bowling Green, KY Filming & Production: Location Permits (2026)

Sec. 15-8 of the Bowling Green Code of Ordinances requires a permit for any commercial motion picture, television, music video or advertising production that uses City equipment, City personnel or City facilities, disrupts normal facility activities, closes a City street or sidewalk, or involves pyrotechnics, explosives or incendiary devices. The permit requirement reaches private property productions, not just City sites, whenever pyrotechnics or City resources are involved, but exempts studio productions using no City resources, news and documentary filming, and productions for City-approved nonprofits, which need only file for notification with fees potentially waived.

Applications go to the Community Engagement Division at least three working days before filming and must list locations, dates, equipment, personnel headcount, special effects, on-scene contacts, and written consent from any private property owners involved. Community Engagement Division denies permits for incomplete or false applications, for pornographic productions as narrowly defined in the ordinance, for productions depicting graphic violence involving City property, personnel or equipment, or where the applicant is delinquent on occupational fees or taxes. A performance bond and comprehensive liability insurance naming the City as an additional insured can be required before issuance, and the applicant must pay a $30 permit application fee plus reimburse the City for personnel and equipment costs.

Permits can be revoked for false information, noncompliance with permit terms, or unpaid fees, and any denial can be appealed in writing to the City Manager within seven working days.