Filming in Paterson, New Jersey
Current City permit requirements and the separate federal rules that apply on National Park Service land at Paterson Great Falls.
Paterson’s film ordinance was amended in its entirety in November 2024. The current code regulates filming on public land and private filming that affects public land. Its fees differ from figures still visible on an older City application, so the current ordinance, not the stale form, is the controlling public fee source for this guide.
Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park includes federally managed areas with a separate National Park Service permit process. A Paterson municipal permit does not authorize filming on NPS property.
Paterson does not appear on the State’s current Film Ready certified-localities list.
Information checked July 24, 2026
- City filming contact
- Jessica Diaz, Public Information Officer
- jdiaz@patersonnj.gov
- Phone
- 973-321-1600
- Municipal application timing
- At least five days before filming
- Municipal basic permit
- $500
- Expedited permit
- $750
- Public-land location charge
- $1,500 per day
- Standard municipal filming hours
- No fixed citywide film window appears in Chapter 212; the approved permit and noise rules control
- Film Ready
- Not on the current state certified-localities page
- Great Falls
- Separate National Park Service jurisdiction for NPS-managed land
- Information checked
- July 24, 2026
Municipal permit scope
Chapter 212 requires a permit for covered filming on City public lands and for filming on private property when the production affects public land. The application is administered through the Office of the Mayor or its designee.
Apply at least five days in advance. The Business Administrator may waive that timing only where other approvals and notice are not needed; a production should not assume a waiver.
The code provides for notice to the affected ward council member and at-large council members. It also requires written notice to affected businesses and residents and proof of service to adjacent properties within the ordinance’s stated timing. Because the text uses an unusual “within seven days of filming” formulation, obtain the City’s current notice deadline and proof method in writing rather than assuming it means seven days before.
Current published municipal fees
| Item | Current code fee |
|---|---|
| Basic permit | $500 |
| Expedited permit or timing waiver | $750 |
| Use of public lands | $1,500 per day |
The code permits consideration of waivers for public-service announcements and qualifying educational, documentary or nonprofit productions, and exempts qualifying students from daily fees upon student identification. A waiver or exemption is not guaranteed without City confirmation.
Paterson’s older downloadable application may still show superseded fees, including a $300 figure and older duration-based charges. Those predate the November 2024 comprehensive amendment and conflict with current Chapter 212. Confirm that the City has supplied the current form, and use Chapter 212’s current fee schedule when budgeting.
Insurance and operational requirements
For public-land filming, Chapter 212 publishes bodily injury liability of $1,000,000 for one person and $2,000,000 aggregate per occurrence, property damage liability of $500,000 aggregate for each occurrence, indemnification of the City, and security personnel recognized under New Jersey law when required.
The code also provides for on-site officers, police and fire review, traffic and pedestrian controls, an emergency right-of-way plan approved by the Traffic Division and coordination with PSE&G if existing electrical lines are used.
Productions may not block a private driveway without consent. They must provide for private trash removal rather than using Department of Public Works receptacles, and must comply with the City noise code.
Hours
Chapter 212 does not publish one fixed municipal filming window, and this guide does not invent one. The permit schedule, Chapter 337 noise rules, location restrictions and public-safety approvals control. Obtain setup, filming, strike and parking hours in writing.
Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park
Two different systems control this one small area, and mixing them up is the single most common mistake here.
City of Paterson
Chapter 212. City streets, sidewalks and public land around the Falls. Apply through the Office of the Mayor, at least five days out. $500–$1,500 depending on scope.
National Park Service
A separate federal permit for NPS-managed parcels, Overlook Park and the staff area on McBride Avenue. Apply directly to the park, 4–6 weeks out. $75 application plus a per-day charge by crew size.
A Paterson municipal permit does not authorize filming on National Park Service-managed land. Depending on the exact footprint, a production can need both approvals.
The National Park Service identifies its managed areas as including Overlook Park at 72 McBride Avenue Extension and the staff area at 65 McBride Avenue. Overlook Park grounds are open from dawn to dusk under the current Superintendent’s Compendium.
NPS says ordinary personal filming in areas open to the public may not require a permit, but a permit can be required based on crew size, exclusive use, closed-area access, staging or production impact. The current park guidance says to contact the permit coordinator before filing or paying and recommends at least four weeks; the Superintendent’s Compendium describes a four-to-six-week application period for covered filming.
| Item | Published NPS charge |
|---|---|
| Nonrefundable application | $75 |
| Low-impact category described by NPS as 1–2 people with a camera and tripod | $0 per day |
| Other covered filming with 1–10 people | $150 per day |
| 11–30 people | $250 per day |
| 31–49 people | $500 per day |
| 50 or more people | $750 per day |
NPS may require liability insurance naming the United States and may require a bond. Launching, landing or operating a drone from National Park Service land is prohibited without written superintendent approval, which the park says is unlikely outside a special use.
Documented productions
Paterson’s official filming page identifies West Side Story, The Trial of the Chicago 7 and The Plot Against America among recent productions. New Jersey film-office materials also document filming associated with Paterson for Heart and identify the Art Factory in Paterson as a location for Wish You Were Here.
These are broad attributed statements from official sources. They do not establish that a specific scene, address or location is available now.
Common questions
What are Paterson’s current film permit fees?
Current Chapter 212 lists a $500 basic permit, a $750 expedited permit or timing-waiver charge and $1,500 per day for use of public lands. An older City application still displays obsolete figures, so productions should confirm they receive the current form.
How far ahead should a Paterson permit be filed?
The municipal code requires at least five days. Great Falls filming on National Park Service land can require a separate process, and NPS recommends substantially more time, generally at least four weeks for covered requests.
Does a Paterson permit cover Great Falls National Historical Park?
No. National Park Service-managed land has separate federal rules and may require a special-use permit, application fee, location fee, insurance or bond. Depending on the footprint, municipal approvals may also be required.
What are Paterson’s standard filming hours?
Chapter 212 does not establish one universal filming window. The approved permit, City noise code, traffic plan and any property or NPS restrictions determine the schedule.
Official sources
- OfficialPaterson Code, Chapter 212
- OfficialCity of Paterson filming page
- OfficialPaterson Great Falls permits and reservations
- OfficialPaterson Great Falls Superintendent’s Compendium
- OfficialNew Jersey film-office spotlight on West Side Story
- OfficialNJ Motion Picture and Television Commission annual reports
- OfficialNew Jersey Film Ready certified localities
Checked July 24, 2026 against Chapter 212 and current National Park Service guidance. The City filming page may block automated tools; it remains the official City URL. Report a correction or updated permit requirement.
Planning a production in New Jersey?
BLL Films provides production support for interviews, commercials, branded content, documentary work and other productions across New Jersey. We can help translate a creative brief into a practical crew, equipment and location plan.
Ask about your New Jersey productionBLL Films may provide crew, equipment or production services when requested.
This guide is researched and reviewed by Sam Moskowitz, a New Jersey-based producer and DP who runs BLL Films. Sam’s production and cinematography credits include work for Netflix, History Channel, Hulu, the NFL and Google. Every changing fact on this page carries a verification date; see how this site is researched for the full process.