Passaic, NJ Filming & Production: Location Permits (2026)
Film location permits in Passaic, NJ, sometimes called film shoot permits, production permits, or filming authorizations, cover commercial photography, video shoots, and motion picture production.
Key Facts
- Governing chapter
- Chapter 135, Filming
- Enforcing office
- Film Permit Coordinator (Director of Community Development)
- Permit trigger
- Any staged shoot on public land, incl. still photos
- Basic permit fee
- $50 (§ 135-6A)
- Exemption
- Incidental, minimal-impact use (§ 135-2B)
- Max penalty
- $1,250 fine or 90 days jail (§ 135-7)
Summary
Passaic's filming ordinance folds commercial still photography into the same permit regime as movie and TV production. Chapter 135 defines 'filming' to include commercial still photography, videotapes and other visual-reproduction work, so a photo shoot on a public street, sidewalk or park in the city needs written authorization from the Film Permit Coordinator before setup begins.
FILMING: All activity attendant to staging or shooting motion pictures, television shows or programs, commercial still photography, videotapes, computer-based programs or other visual reproduction technology now known or hereafter created. The period of filming includes the set-up, strike and time of photography. However, the provisions of this chapter shall not be deemed to include the filming of news stories by recognized news gathering programs and organizations.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4978046; v41 updated 2026-07-01; through 07-01-2026).
Full Breakdown
' Because the definition names commercial still photography explicitly, a fashion shoot, ad campaign or corporate photo session staged on any public street, sidewalk, square, park or other public place within Passaic falls under the same permit chapter as a full film production, the ordinance draws no distinction between a camera crew shooting video and one shooting stills. The chapter exempts news photography by recognized news-gathering organizations, and § 135-2B carves out 'incidental use of public land that is of minimal impact' that does not close the location to public use, a quick handheld shoot on a sidewalk without blocking traffic falls in that exemption, while a staged shoot with equipment, backdrops or crew occupying a public space requires the application the Film Permit Coordinator (the Director of Community Development) processes for movie and TV shoots.
, and cost $50 for the basic permit under § 135-6A, with added daily charges of $500 to $1,000 for use of public buildings, parks or facilities. Private-property still shoots pay no fee at all under § 135-6D.
Violations & Fines
Filming, including commercial still photography, on public land without a Film Permit Coordinator permit violates Chapter 135. § 135-7 sets a fine of up to $1,250 per offense or up to 90 days in the county jail, with each day of continuing violation charged as a separate offense. The Coordinator can also revoke an issued permit immediately if conditions are no longer met, subject to a 15-day appeal to City Council.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a still photography shoot in Passaic need a permit?
Who approves still photography permits in Passaic?
What happens if a photo shoot skips the permit?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Passaic
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Location Permits in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Passaic County handle location permits.