New Filming Permit Rules Proposed In Bernards Township

BASKING RIDGE, NJ — Bernards Township has introduced an updated ordinance that would set permit requirements, fees and operating rules for filming across the township, as local officials work to qualify for the state's film-ready municipal program.

The Township Committee introduced the updated ordinance at the Sept. 29 meeting and scheduled a public hearing for Tuesday, Oct. 13.

Mayor Ana Duarte McCarthy said the township had already taken steps to become a film-ready municipality but needed revisions to meet current standards.

On June 11, 2024, the township committee passed an ordinance to become a film-ready municipality.

"So we have now amended the ordinance, and it's being reintroduced as Ordinance 2602 to reflect the current criteria, and upon the adoption we can then apply for certification and join the list of film-ready municipalities as we had originally intended," said McCarthy.

Committeewoman Jennifer Asay said the state film commission asked Bernards to make revisions after the township's 2024 ordinance.

"I'm very glad that this is being done. And the reason for this is that by standardizing the film permitting across all 564 municipalities in New Jersey, you can imagine how much this helps from an economic development perspective and enables film businesses to choose New Jersey and ultimately Bernard's Township," said Asay.

She added that "when a production company is scouting locations, it shouldn't have to learn all the different sets of rules and fees and timelines in every town. So that consistency is going to really improve and hopefully enable folks to also benefit here at Bernard's Township."

The ordinance would add a new Section 4-14, titled "Filming," to Chapter 4 of the township code.

According to the ordinance, a permit from the Municipal Clerk would be required before filming on public property, or on private property when public property is used for vehicles, equipment, barricades or devices that restrict pedestrian or vehicle traffic. The ordinance says applications must be submitted at least four business days before filming, although the Township Administrator/COO may waive that period if related approvals are in place and adjacent property owners or tenants do not need notice.

The proposed rules also lay out insurance requirements for filming on public lands, possible off-duty police staffing if required by the Chief of Police, and limits on filming hours.

Under the ordinance, filming would be permitted from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. for camera wrap, with crew wrap by 10 p.m., Monday through Sunday.

Written notice would be required at least three days before filming when a production directly involves or affects businesses, merchants or residents.

The fee schedule in the ordinance includes a $100 basic filming permit, a $250 expedited permit and daily public property filming fees of $150 for projects with budgets under $20 million and $500 for projects with budgets over $20 million.

Violations could carry penalties of up to a $2,000 fine, up to 90 days in jail, up to 90 days of community service, or a combination, according to the ordinance.

The second reading and public hearing on the ordinance will be held at the Tuesday, Oct. 13 Township Commitee meeting.

The meeting will be held in the Warren Craft Meeting Room, in the Municipal Building, 1 Collyer Lane, Basking Ridge.

To see the ordinance and the agenda for the meeting, visit bernards.org/government/documents/meeting-documents/mayor-council-meeting/2026-township-committee-meeting-documents/2026-agendas-township-committee/5567-10-13-2026-township-committee-meeting-agenda/file.

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