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Lincoln, NE Special Events & Permits: Commercial Filming on Public Right-of-Way (2026)

Significant Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified August 2026

Key Facts

Base permit fee
$45.00 per filming permit
Insurance required
$1,000,000 public liability minimum
Issuing authority
City Clerk and Mayor
Arterial street restriction
No filming during weekday rush hours
Separate from
Special event permit (Chapter 14.32)

Summary

Commercial filming on Lincoln public property requires a separate $45 Film Permit from the City Clerk under Chapter 14.34, distinct from the city's special event permit process, plus insurance and any special filming fees.

14.34.030 Permit Required. A permit is required for all commercial filming activities on public space. (Ord. 19785 §3; October 1, 2012).

View official code

Full Breakdown

Lincoln Municipal Code Chapter 14.34 requires anyone conducting commercial filming on public space to obtain a Film Permit from the City Clerk, separate from the general special event permit in Chapter 14.32. Applicants pay a $45.00 permit fee, file with the City Clerk, and agree to hold the City harmless. The Mayor can impose additional filming fees for traffic control, fire safety, and other city costs, and requires $1,000,000 in public liability insurance naming the City as an additional insured before any permit issues. The Mayor can deny or revoke a permit for property damage, disturbance, safety hazards, or noncompliance with permit conditions.

Violations & Fines

Filming without a permit is prohibited. The Mayor can revoke a permit for property damage, disturbance, safety hazards, unpaid fees, or lapsed insurance, and permittees must pay any city costs within 30 days.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Lincoln require a separate permit for commercial filming?
Yes. Chapter 14.34 requires a distinct $45.00 Film Permit from the City Clerk for commercial filming on public space, separate from the special event permit process in Chapter 14.32.
Can the City charge fees beyond the base permit?
Yes. The Mayor can impose additional fees for traffic control, fire safety, and other city costs tied to the project, itemized and billed to the permittee under Section 14.34.080.
What insurance does a film permit require?
Permittees must carry $1,000,000 in public liability insurance naming the City as an additional insured before the City Clerk will issue the permit.

Sources & Official References

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