Paterson, NJ Filming & Production: Student Filming (2026)
Key Facts
- Waived for students
- $1,500/day filming fee
- Proof required
- Valid student ID
- Still owed
- $500 basic permit fee
- Still required
- Underlying filming permit itself
Summary
Student filmmakers with a valid student ID skip Paterson's $1,500-per-day filming fee entirely, though the $500 basic permit application and its requirements still apply.
Daily Filming Fee payable in addition to the basic filming permit: $1,500 per day for use of public lands. The daily filming fee may be waived by the City of Paterson if the applicant for the permit is filming a public service announcement, educational program, documentary or an activity in support of a not-for-profit organization. Student Filmmakers who are able to provide a valid student ID shall be exempt from Daily Filming Fees.
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 ordinance carves out real relief for students. The Daily Filming Fee, normally $1,500 per day for using public lands, is waived outright for 'Student Filmmakers who are able to provide a valid student ID,' per § 212-4(B). That sits alongside an existing waiver for public service announcements, educational programs, documentaries, and nonprofit-sponsored projects. The exemption reaches only the daily fee, though: a student production still needs the underlying filming permit, still owes the $500 Basic Filming Permit fee unless it independently qualifies for that separate waiver, and still has to meet every insurance, notice, and conduct requirement in § 212-3.
Violations & Fines
Filming on public land without the required permit, student ID exemption or not, violates Chapter 212, punishable by up to $1,000 per day or 90 days in jail under § 212-5.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do students filming in Paterson still pay the daily fee?
Do students still need a permit at all?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Paterson
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