Clifton, NJ Filming & Production: Location Permits (2026)

Under § 317-2 of the Clifton Code, no person or organization may film on public property, or on private property in a way that uses public property to operate, place or store vehicles or equipment, or to install barricades that restrict pedestrian or vehicular traffic, without a permit from the Municipal Clerk's office. The permit must be applied for during normal business hours and must state the approved location and specific dates of filming; a copy must stay available for inspection at the site at all times.

Applications must be filed at least four business days before the shoot per § 317-3A, though the City Manager may waive that window if approvals are already secured and adjacent owners do not need notice. Public-lands filming also requires proof of liability insurance ($500,000 per person / $1,000,000 aggregate bodily injury, $300,000 property damage per occurrence), a written indemnification agreement, and, if the Chief of Police requires it, an off-duty officer. ; exterior filming in residential zones outside those hours needs specific approval in the permit.

Fees under § 317-10 run $100 for a basic permit (four-plus days' notice), $250 expedited (three or fewer days' notice), $25 for nonprofits/student films, and $150-$500 in daily fees on public property depending on production budget. Copies go to Police, Fire and the NJ Motion Picture and Television Commission per § 317-8, and the applicant reimburses the City for lost revenue such as parking-meter income under § 317-9. Denials may be appealed to the City Council under § 317-6 within 10 days.