East Orange, NJ Filming & Production: Location Permits (2026)

Section 170-35 requires a permit from the City of East Orange Licensing Division before anyone films or permits filming on public lands, defined as any street, highway, sidewalk, square, park, playground or other public place under city control; news reporting is excluded. Applications go to the Licensing Division during normal business hours and, under § 170-36, must be filed at least five days before the shoot date unless the City Administrator waives that window because approvals are already in hand and neighbors do not need notice.

Approval also requires proof of insurance naming the City of East Orange as additional insured, $500,000 per person and $1,000,000 aggregate for bodily injury and $500,000 per occurrence for property damage, plus a written indemnification agreement and either a $500 cash bond or a $1,000 maintenance bond guaranteeing the site is left free of debris. The Licensing Division may also require hired security and, where power lines are used, a licensed electrician. One permit covers up to five consecutive days of outdoor or indoor filming, and a residential-zone property is limited to two permits per calendar year absent a waiver under § 170-36.

Fees under § 170-37 are $250 for the basic permit plus $500 per day, or $25 with no daily rate for nonprofit educational filming. A denied or revoked permit can be appealed to the City Administrator within 10 days, with a hearing set within 45 days.