New Brunswick, NJ Filming & Production: Location Permits (2026)

Chapter 5.46 covers filming on public land, meaning any public street, highway, sidewalk, square, park, playground or other public place under city control. Section 5.46.020 defines filming as still or motion pictures for commercial or educational purposes intended for television, theatres, streaming or institutional uses, and excludes news stories. Under section 5.46.030 nobody can film or permit filming on public property without a permit from the office of the city clerk, and the permit names the approved location and dates and must be at the site for inspection at all times.

If weather or other good cause cancels a shoot, the clerk can issue a new permit for other dates with no additional fee. Section 5.46.040 requires applying before four business days ahead of the shooting date, though the city administrator can waive the period. The applicant supplies proof of insurance of $500,000 for bodily injury to any one person and $1,000,000 in the aggregate, plus $300,000 for property damage per occurrence, a written indemnity, and a $2,000 cash or maintenance bond returned within ten days if there is no damage.

The chief of police can require off-duty New Brunswick police officers. Filming runs 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. with crew wrap-up at 10:00 p.m., and night filming needs approval in the permit. Affected businesses and residents get written notice at least three days before the shoot. Section 5.46.050 sets fees: $100 basic permit ($250 with a waiver of expedited processing), $100 per day, and $500 per day for a major motion picture, defined to include a budget of at least $20,000,000. A denial can be appealed to the city council within ten days.