North Hempstead, NY Filming & Production: Production Noise (2026)

North Hempstead Code § 36-6C requires the holder of a filming permit to conduct filming in a manner that minimizes the inconvenience or discomfort to adjoining property owners and residents attributable to the filming, and to abate noise and park vehicles associated with filming off the public streets to the extent practicable. The same subsection requires the permittee to avoid interference with previously scheduled activities on public lands and to limit interference with normal public activity there. This noise-and-nuisance duty operates alongside the Town Clerk's gatekeeping power in § 36-7B, which lets the Clerk refuse a permit outright where a review of the application shows the proposed filming would be detrimental to the community because of anticipated excessive noise, illumination or other effect, including dangerous activities like explosives, stunts, helicopters or firearms.

Section 36-5I further requires every applicant to disclose in advance any excessive noise, illumination or special effects planned, so the Clerk can weigh the noise impact before issuing the permit. under § 36-6I(1), including equipment setup and breakdown, which caps the daily window during which permit-related noise may lawfully occur; modified hours require Town Clerk approval reviewed by the Supervisor and district Councilperson. The Town Board may issue a waiver of these requirements under § 36-11 only where it finds the activity will not endanger public health, safety or welfare, and any Town Code enforcement official or police officer may suspend a permit during filming under § 36-12 where public health or safety risks, which can include unreasonable noise complaints, are found.