Filming & Production in Michigan (2026)
14 rules on the books across Michigan, 5 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 →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 →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.
Oakland County
Some RestrictionsFilm productions in Oakland County must comply with the host municipality's noise ordinance: there is no countywide…
Read full rule →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.
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 →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 →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 →Warren
Few RestrictionsWarren's film code exempts student filming activities, defined as filming conducted to fulfill a course requirement at…
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