Film location permits in Cary, NC — sometimes called film shoot permits, production permits, or filming authorizations — cover commercial photography, video shoots, and motion picture production.
Wake County does not require a county-wide film permit. Filming on county-owned property (parks, buildings, ROW) requires advance application through Wake County Parks or Communications office. Within Raleigh, the Raleigh Film Office handles permits; Cary, Apex, and other towns have their own processes.
Wake County is a popular filming location (Sleepy Hollow, Banshee, Eastbound & Down filmed in the region). For filming on private property, no county permit is needed — only owner consent. Filming on county-owned property (parks, county buildings, ROW) requires advance written application, proof of insurance ($1M general liability typical), and a fee schedule based on scale and impact. Sound trucks and amplified sound during nighttime hours fall under Chapter 92 noise rules even with a film permit. The City of Raleigh runs its own film office and requires permits for filming on city ROW or parks.
Filming without required permit on public land: trespass + civil penalty. Sound rules under Ch. 92 still apply.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
Cary, NC
Cary regulates amplified music under the general noise ordinance. Sound permits available for events. N.C.G.S. §14-288.4 applies to unreasonable disturbances.
Cary, NC
Cary Code of Ordinances Chapter 22, Division 2 prohibits unreasonably loud, disturbing noises that annoy, disturb, or endanger citizens. The ordinance restri...
Cary, NC
Cary regulates construction noise through its general noise ordinance (Chapter 22). Construction activity near residential areas should be confined to reason...
Cary, NC
Cary's noise ordinance covers barking dogs under the general prohibition on disturbing noises. Persistently barking dogs that disturb neighbors may result in...
Cary, NC
Cary's Land Development Ordinance restricts parking of RVs, boats, and trailers in residential areas. These vehicles typically must be stored in rear or side...
Cary, NC
Cary restricts parking of commercial vehicles in residential zones. Large commercial vehicles, semi-trucks, and heavy equipment may not be stored in resident...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Wake County.
See how Cary's location permits rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.