Bergenfield, NJ Filming & Production: Production Noise (2026)

Chapter 149 folds noise control into its general rules for permit holders rather than setting a decibel limit. Section 149-3D requires the holder of a filming permit to conduct the shoot in a manner that minimizes inconvenience or discomfort to adjoining property owners, and directs the holder, to the extent practicable, to abate noise and to park vehicles associated with the filming off the public streets rather than in front of neighboring homes. The same subsection tells the permit holder to avoid interfering with previously scheduled activities on public lands and to limit interference with normal public activity generally.

or sundown, whichever is earlier, so no permit authorizes night shoots or weekend production noise in a residential district. A location in a residential zone is separately capped at four filming days per year under § 149-3A, and the Mayor and Council can waive either the hours restriction or the day cap under § 149-3I where strict compliance would impose an unreasonable burden and the waiver would not endanger public health, safety or welfare. The Borough Clerk can refuse a permit outright under § 149-3G if the proposed hours or location would unreasonably interfere with adjoining property owners.