Perth Amboy, NJ Filming & Production: Location Permits (2026)

Section 217-2 of Chapter 217, Filming, requires a permit before anyone films or permits filming on public property within the City of Perth Amboy. The permit is issued through the Office of Economic and Community Development and must set forth the approved location and the approved duration by specific reference to day or dates. It has to be readily available for inspection by City officials at all times at the site. Applications are filed during normal business hours on a form approved by the Director of that office or the Film Ready Liaison, with the permit fee.

The decision belongs to the Filming Review Committee: the Director of Economic and Community Development or the Film Ready Liaison, the Chief of the Police Department or a designee, and the Mayor or a designee. Permits are issued at the discretion of the committee, which can deny one for good cause. Under § 217-4(G) an application can be refused on objective facts when the location or time would violate a law or ordinance, unreasonably interfere with adjoining properties, unreasonably impede vehicular or pedestrian traffic, or endanger public health, safety or welfare. If bad weather cancels the dates, the committee can issue a new permit for other dates at no additional fee.

Timing is set in § 217-3: a basic permit issues on an application four or more days before the first filming day, and an expedited permit on an application no less than three days ahead. For public lands, the applicant shows insurance of $500,000 per person and $1,000,000 in the aggregate for bodily injury and $300,000 for property damage, signs an indemnity, hires an off-duty Perth Amboy police officer when the Police Department deems it necessary, and posts a $1,000 cash or maintenance bond returned within seven days after filming if nothing is damaged.

Fees under § 217-5 include $100 for a basic permit for up to 14 consecutive days, $250 expedited, $150 per day for other filming or $500 per day for major motion pictures, and $5,000 per day for a street closure. Copies of the approved permit go to the Police and Fire Departments and the New Jersey Film Commission.