Sterling Heights, MI Filming & Production: Location Permits (2026)
Film location permits in Sterling Heights, MI, sometimes called film shoot permits, production permits, or filming authorizations, cover commercial photography, video shoots, and motion picture production.
Key Facts
- Permitting office
- City Film Office
- Exempt locations
- Studios, enclosed structures
- Fees
- Processing fee + property-use fee
- Residential notice
- 300-ft radius if residential
Summary
Sterling Heights requires a Film Office permit for any commercial filming outside an enclosed studio, with fees covering staff time and public-property use.
Except as otherwise provided in this article, it is unlawful for any person to engage in the business or activity of filming at any place within the city, other than at or in an established motion picture or television studio or entirely within an enclosed structure or building (with no outside storage of filming equipment) without a film permit from the city. Any person interested in filming within the city shall complete in full a film permit application that shall be submitted to the Film Office of the city. A film permit does not constitute or grant permission to use or occupy property not owned, leased, or controlled by the city. (Ord. No. 401, § 1 (part), 3-2-09)
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-46: Local legislation current through Ord. 509, passed 5-19-26).
Full Breakdown
Under the Film Permit Ordinance, it is unlawful to film anywhere in Sterling Heights other than an established studio or fully enclosed structure without a film permit from the city's Film Office. Applicants must submit detailed information on the production, locations, cast/crew size, equipment, and emergency contacts, plus a processing fee and, if city property will be used, a daily property-use fee set by the Finance Director. A film permit does not itself authorize entry onto private property not controlled by the city.
Violations & Fines
Filming without the required permit is unlawful under § 12-152; the ordinance's fees and conditions are separate from and in addition to any other city business licenses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to film inside a building in Sterling Heights?
What if filming will use city streets or property?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Sterling Heights
Compare Sterling Heights to another location·View the Michigan filming & production overview
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Location Permits in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Macomb County handle location permits.