Southampton, NY Filming & Production: Location Permits (2026)

Adopted in 2017, Chapter 162 requires a written filming permit before any owner, lessee or other person with an interest in Southampton property can allow it to be used for filming, defined in § 162-1 as filming or photographing a commercial, movie, documentary, television program, catalog or magazine layout, or other commercial or educational production. Section 162-2(A)(2) exempts small shoots: 25 or fewer cast and crew, no more than three days, and no obstruction of a public roadway or sidewalk or use of Town property.

Applications go to the Town Clerk at least 20 days before filming starts under § 162-2(B), and must include the production's nature, location, structures, waste and sewage disposal, parking, sound, lighting, security and fire protection plans under § 162-2(C). Before a permit issues, § 162-3 requires the applicant to carry liability insurance naming the Town as an additional insured with limits of at least $1,000,000/$2,000,000, and the Chief Fire Marshal or Chief of Police may also demand cost reimbursement for added police or public works support and a security bond for cleanup.

Applications are reviewed by the Chief of Police, Chief Fire Marshal and Town Planning and Development Administrator under § 162-4, with Town Board authorization needed to close a street; a decision issues within 30 days. A denial or rescission can be appealed to the Public Safety Commission under § 162-7 within 10 days. Section 162-8 makes filming without a permit a violation punishable by up to 15 days imprisonment and/or a fine up to $7,000 for a first offense, rising to an unclassified misdemeanor with up to a year imprisonment and a $10,000 to $15,000 fine for a second or later offense within a year.