Filming & Production in Michigan (2026)
26 rules on the books across Michigan, 9 cities and counties. Select a rule to read the full details.
Severity: Few Restrictions · Light Restrictions · Some Restrictions · Significant Restrictions · Heavy Restrictions
Location Permits
Permits required to film on public or private property, including application timelines, fees, insurance requirements, and neighborhood notification rules.
Dearborn
Significant RestrictionsDearborn's chief of police can authorize filming, video taping, or photo shoots on any city street, right-of-way, park…
Read full rule →Dearborn Heights
Significant RestrictionsThe City of Dearborn Heights requires a production license under Code Sec. 8-42 before any filming or stationary…
Read full rule →Novi
Significant RestrictionsIn the City of Novi, anyone filming a commercial motion picture, television, radio or photographic production on a…
Read full rule →Sterling Heights
Significant RestrictionsSterling Heights requires a Film Office permit for any commercial filming outside an enclosed studio, with fees…
Read full rule →Troy
Significant RestrictionsTroy requires a film production permit from the City Clerk before anyone films anywhere in the city, with an exception…
Read full rule →West Bloomfield
Significant RestrictionsWest Bloomfield Township requires a film activity permit before anyone films, records or produces a motion picture…
Read full rule →Battle Creek
Some RestrictionsIn the City of Battle Creek, Michigan, a video or film production counts as a special event, so shooting on any City…
Read full rule →Taylor
Some RestrictionsIn the City of Taylor, Michigan, City Code Section 4-182 bars anyone from using a public right-of-way or any public or…
Read full rule →Warren
Some RestrictionsFilming on city-owned property or requesting a street closure in Warren requires a separate application beyond the…
Read full rule →Production Noise
Noise restrictions for film and television productions, including generator limits, amplified sound, and permitted hours of operation in residential areas.
Sterling Heights
Some RestrictionsSterling Heights lets the Film Office restrict noisy filming activity under Code of Ordinances § 12-160(A), covering…
Read full rule →Troy
Some RestrictionsTroy can restrict film-shoot noise such as gunfire, sirens, PA systems or bull horns to limit the impact on neighbors…
Read full rule →Warren
Some RestrictionsWhen a production applies to use Warren city property, the film coordinator can attach conditions restricting firearms…
Read full rule →Street Closures
Rules for closing streets or sidewalks for filming, including advance notice requirements, alternative access provisions, and compensation to affected businesses.
Battle Creek
Significant RestrictionsBattle Creek, Michigan treats a video or film production on a City street, park or public area as a special event that…
Read full rule →Sterling Heights
Significant RestrictionsSterling Heights bars anyone from closing a city street or alley for filming, or parking vehicles and equipment on one…
Read full rule →Troy
Significant RestrictionsTroy bars anyone from closing or obstructing a public right-of-way for filming without advance permission from the City…
Read full rule →West Bloomfield
Significant RestrictionsA West Bloomfield film activity permit application must describe any proposed street closures for the shoot, and Sec…
Read full rule →Dearborn Heights
Some RestrictionsIn the City of Dearborn Heights, any production license issued under City Code Section 8-47 comes with mandatory…
Read full rule →Novi
Some RestrictionsA Novi filming permit application seeking any road or lane closure must include a traffic-control plan naming the exact…
Read full rule →Taylor
Some RestrictionsIn the City of Taylor, Michigan, City Code Sections 4-184, 4-186, and 4-187 require any production seeking a filming…
Read full rule →Warren
Some RestrictionsProductions that want a Warren street closed for filming apply through the film coordinator under Section 12-23; the…
Read full rule →Student Filming
Reduced-fee or fee-waiver permits available to students enrolled in accredited film programs, including documentation requirements and use limits.
Troy
Some RestrictionsTroy exempts student films from its Chapter 61A film permit requirement when the production is by a school or college…
Read full rule →Novi
Light RestrictionsStudent filmmakers shooting in the City of Novi still need the standard motion-picture, television, radio or…
Read full rule →Sterling Heights
Light RestrictionsSterling Heights exempts student films from its Film Permit Ordinance under Code of Ordinances § 12-153(H), but only…
Read full rule →Taylor
Light RestrictionsIn the City of Taylor, Michigan, City Code Section 4-183(a)(6)d.3 waives the filming permit's processing fee and daily…
Read full rule →Dearborn Heights
Few RestrictionsIn the City of Dearborn Heights, a production license under City Code Chapter 8 is normally required before anyone…
Read full rule →Warren
Few RestrictionsWarren's film code exempts student filming activities, defined as filming conducted to fulfill a course requirement at…
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