Battle Creek, MI Filming & Production: Street Closures (2026)

Chapter 815 of the Battle Creek Codified Ordinances is the permit regime for filming on public property in the City of Battle Creek. Its purpose clause says special events are regulated so that use of public streets, rights-of-way, parks and resources can occur with participant safety in mind, public property protected, and the impact on nonparticipating citizens minimized. The definition of "special event" in Section 815.02(b) names video or film production, and it excludes residential block parties covered by existing City policies.

Section 815.03(a) makes it unlawful to promote, advertise or hold a special event on any City street, park or public area without the permit. Subsection (b) adds that this permit is in addition to any permit required by another governmental agency, state law or local ordinance.

The application goes to the City Clerk in writing. Section 815.04(a) asks for the requester's contact details, the sponsoring organization and its organizing documents, the person who will act as Chairman of the event, the purpose and estimated attendance, the date and daily start and end hours, and whether liquor will be sold or provided. It also asks for assembly and disbursal locations and route plans, and for a plat or map of the proposed area showing any barricade, street route plans or perimeter/security fencing, plus a certification that the statements are true. Applications must arrive not less than thirty days ahead, though the City Clerk has discretion to accept less notice in special instances.

The City Clerk refers the application to the various city departments for investigation. Approval, or approval with conditions, follows if the event has a lawful purpose and will not breach the public peace or unnecessarily interfere with public use of streets, sidewalks, parks and public areas. A denial is in writing with reasons. Permits are not renewable and are non-transferable, can carry reasonable time, place and manner restrictions, and can require liability insurance. Fees follow the schedule in Section 802.24.

The chapter has no film-only street closure rule. Separately, Section 1020.16 lets the Director of Public Works temporarily close a street the Director deems unsafe or temporarily unsuitable, and it bars interfering with the Director's barriers or signs without authorization.