Paterson, NJ Filming & Production: Production Noise (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing rule
- City Noise Ordinance, Chapter 337
- Cross-reference
- § 212-3(J)
- Related duty
- Abate noise near adjoining properties
- No special exemption
- Productions follow standard noise limits
Summary
Film and TV productions shooting on Paterson public land get no noise exemption, § 212-3(J) makes them fully subject to the city's Chapter 337 noise ordinance like any other activity.
The regulation of noise is subject to the Code of Paterson, Chapter 337. The applicant must comply with said noise ordinance.
K. The regulation of littering, dumping and trash is subject to the Code of Paterson, Chapter 313. The applicant must keep the location swept and free of debris at all times. All catering, craft service, construction debris and personal trash must be removed from the location each day at wrap and disposed of by private garbage disposal. The applicant may not use Department of Public Works trash cans for production trash.
L. All production crew members cannot block driveways without the express permission of the owner or lessee.
M. All signs that are erected by the applicant must be removed at the completion of filming.
N. The applicant must provide a written plan providing for an emergency right-of-way for all vehicles. The plan must be approved by Traffic Division of the Police Department.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4713536; v19 updated 2025-12-16; through 12-16-2025).
Full Breakdown
Paterson's filming chapter doesn't set its own decibel limits or quiet hours for productions; instead it folds noise straight into the citywide rule. Section 212-3(J) states plainly that 'the regulation of noise is subject to the Code of Paterson, Chapter 337' and that permit holders 'must comply with said noise ordinance.' Filming permit holders also carry a separate, related duty under § 212-3(D): they must take reasonable steps to minimize inconvenience to adjoining property owners and, to the extent practicable, abate noise generated by the production. A crew that ignores Chapter 337's limits during a shoot is violating both that noise ordinance and its own filming permit conditions.
Violations & Fines
Exceeding Chapter 337 noise limits during filming breaches both the noise ordinance and the filming permit itself, risking fines under Chapter 337 plus penalties up to $1,000/day under § 212-5.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Paterson film productions get their own noise limits?
What if a shoot bothers neighboring residents with noise?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Paterson
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