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Lincoln, NE Filming & Production: Location Permits (2026)

Significant Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified August 2026

Film location permits in Lincoln, NE, sometimes called film shoot permits, production permits, or filming authorizations, cover commercial photography, video shoots, and motion picture production.

Key Facts

Base permit fee
$45.00 per permit
Liability insurance required
$1,000,000 combined single limit
Issuing authority
Mayor, via City Clerk application
Arterial street restriction
Barred during weekday rush hours w/o police
Applies to
Commercial filming activities on public space

Summary

Commercial filming on Lincoln public property requires a permit from the City Clerk, a $45 fee, and Mayor approval before any shoot begins.

A permit is required for all commercial filming activities on public space. (Ord. 19785 §3; October 1, 2012).

Full Breakdown

Lincoln Municipal Code § 14.34.030 requires a permit for all commercial filming activities on public space. Applicants file with the City Clerk, pay a $45.00 base permit fee under § 14.34.050, and carry $1,000,000 in public liability insurance naming the City as additional insured under § 14.34.100. The Mayor reviews each application and may deny a permit that would damage public space, unreasonably disrupt public use, pose unmitigable safety risks, exceed the space's capacity, or conflict with a prior permit. Filming on arterial streets during weekday rush hours requires police traffic control. The Mayor may also assess added fees for fire safety, first aid, security, and traffic control under § 14.34.080.

Violations & Fines

Filming without a permit, having unpaid past-due filming fees, or knowingly interfering with a permitted film project is unlawful; the Mayor may deny or revoke a permit for bonded damage, safety risk, or nuisance grounds.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Lincoln require a permit for commercial filming on public property?
Yes. Lincoln Municipal Code § 14.34.030 requires a permit for all commercial filming activities on public space, issued by the Mayor after an application to the City Clerk.
What does a Lincoln filming permit cost?
The base fee is $45.00 per permit under § 14.34.050, plus any additional fire safety, first aid, security, or traffic-control costs the Mayor assesses under § 14.34.080.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Lincoln

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