Oyster Bay, NY Filming & Production: Production Noise (2026)
Key Facts
- Nighttime curfew
- No filming 10:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m.
- Sunday filming
- Prohibited entirely
- Denial ground
- Anticipated excessive noise or illumination
- Extra conditions
- Set by Town Attorney/Public Safety Commissioner
- Penalty
- $250 to $1,000 fine or 15 days jail
- Permit consequence
- Suspension/revocation, 1-year bar
Summary
Film and photography permits in Oyster Bay bar all filming and equipment use between 10:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m. and on Sundays entirely, and the Town Clerk can deny or condition a permit whenever a shoot is expected to cause excessive noise or disturb residents.
The Town Clerk may deny any application for a filming permit that does not comply with the purpose and intent of this chapter or if the public interest would be served by such denial. The Town Clerk may also deny any application for such permit when, in the judgment of the Town Clerk, such permit would conflict with other scheduled events in the area of the filming location; would be detrimental to the community because of anticipated excessive noise, illumination or other effect caused by the proposed filming, including but not limited to the use of explosives... At no time shall any filming or use of any equipment therefor be allowed between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m. ... At no time shall any filming or use of any equipment therefor be allowed on Sundays.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4036544; v24 updated 2023-03-07; through 03-07-2023).
Full Breakdown
Section 118-6 governs issuance and conditions of a Chapter 118 filming permit and gives the Town Clerk discretion to deny an application that would be "detrimental to the community because of anticipated excessive noise, illumination or other effect caused by the proposed filming, including but not limited to the use of explosives," or that would unduly interfere with the day-to-day activities of surrounding residents for an extended period. , and no filming is allowed on Sundays at all. Every permit issued must also specify a start date, expiration date, and the specific hours the permitted activity may occur, so noise-generating activity outside those hours or on a Sunday is a permit violation on its face, not just a nuisance complaint that has to be proven.
The Town Attorney and the Commissioner of Public Safety, or their designees, can add further reasonable limitations to a permit as they see fit, which in practice can include additional noise or timing restrictions tailored to a specific location. If a production causes a disturbance that violates any of these permit conditions, Section 118-8 lets the Town suspend or revoke the permit outright, on top of any separate penalty.
Violations & Fines
Filming outside permitted hours, on a Sunday, or in violation of a noise-related permit condition is an offense under Section 118-8.1, punishable by a fine of $250 to $1,000 or up to 15 days' imprisonment, with each day of continued violation a separate offense. The Town Clerk can also suspend or revoke the permit under Section 118-8, forfeit fees already paid, and bar the production from a new permit for one year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a film crew shoot at night in Oyster Bay?
Is filming allowed on Sundays in Oyster Bay?
Can noise concerns get a filming permit denied before shooting even starts?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Oyster Bay
New York rules heatmap·Compare Oyster Bay to another location·View the New York filming & production overview
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