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

Section 317-4A of the Clifton Code directs that the holder of a filming permit must conduct filming so as to minimize the inconvenience or discomfort to adjoining property owners caused by the production, and, to the extent practicable, must abate noise and park production vehicles off the public streets. Section 317-4B adds a notice duty: where a production will directly involve or affect nearby businesses, merchants or residents, those parties must receive written notice of the filming at least three days before the requested shooting date and must be told they can file objections with the Municipal Clerk, with those objections becoming part of the application record for review.

Proof that adjacent owners were notified must be submitted to the Clerk within two days of the shoot date. These duties tie into the City Manager's power under § 317-5A to refuse a permit, or act on complaints during filming, where the location or timing would unreasonably interfere with the use and enjoyment of adjoining properties, unreasonably impede traffic, or otherwise endanger public health, safety or welfare. The Manager may also require an on-site off-duty patrolman under § 317-5B, billed to the applicant, where the production risks impeding traffic flow.

There is no numeric decibel standard specific to filming; the general citywide noise chapter (Ch. 327) still applies to any filming-related noise, but the filming chapter's own enforcement tool is the noise-abatement and notice duty described above, backed by the chapter's own penalty section.