New Orleans, LA Filming & Production: Production Noise (2026)

Section 30-1715(a) bars simulated gunfire or explosions for filming except in accordance with an issued film location permit. Approval is discretionary: the Film Office grants it under its own rules and regulations and only with the fire department's sign-off (b), and even when approved, the Film Office will permit no more than one-quarter rounds of simulated gunfire (c). , the applicant must obtain a noise variance waiver from the health department under § 66-177 before the film office will issue the film location permit covering that activity.

The location permit application itself, under § 30-1710(b)(4), must include a copy of that noise variance waiver as supporting documentation where applicable. This is the only noise-specific standard within the film production article (§§ 30-1701–30-1721); the article otherwise directs the Film Office, in issuing any filming permit, to prioritize the health, safety and welfare of the public and the quality of life of the affected community over the production's preferences under § 30-1703(c), but does not set a separate decibel or general-noise standard beyond the gunfire/explosion variance rule.