West New York, NJ Filming & Production: Student Filming (2026)

Section 189-2D(3) of the Town Code prices a permit for nonprofit applicants filming for educational purposes on public land at $50. The standard permit for filming on public land in § 189-2D(2) costs $750. The code never uses the word student. What it prints is a category made of three parts: a nonprofit applicant, an educational purpose and public land. A school, college or nonprofit film program in the Town of West New York that fits those words pays the lower line. Section 189-1 supports the educational reading, because it defines filming as the taking of still or motion pictures for commercial or educational purposes intended for viewing on television, in theaters or for institutional uses.

The $50 line sets the permit price only. The permit application fee is a separate line in § 189-2D(1): $75, or $125 where the applicant requires expedited processing, and it accompanies the application. The fee list ends with the statement that all fees are nonrefundable.

The rest of Chapter 189 still runs for an educational shoot on public land. The permit comes from the Town Clerk, names the approved location and dates not to exceed three days, and has to be available at the site. The application is due at least 10 days before shooting under § 189-3A. Section 189-3B bars any permit for filming on public lands until the applicant shows a certificate of insurance naming the Town, a written indemnity agreement, and a $500 cash or surety bond or a $1,000 maintenance bond. Under § 189-4A the Chief of Police decides whether police presence is required, and the applicant hires an off-duty West New York police officer if so. Hours under § 189-5 run from 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. unless the Director of Public Safety approves otherwise.

Section 189-7 exempts three kinds of filming from the chapter: news stories, filming intended solely for private, noncommercial use involving two or fewer crew members, and filming in connection with weddings, provided the applicant adheres to § 189-3B. A project that does not meet the printed conditions of an exemption needs the permit.