§ 9-01 Permits for Scouting, Rigging and Production Activities.
RCNY § 9-01
(a)Scope of rules. The Film Office, a division of the Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment as established by mayoral executive order number 21 for the year 2022, or any successor to such office shall issue permits in connection with filming, including but not limited to the taking of motion pictures; the taking of photographs; the use and operation of television cameras, transmitting television equipment, or radio remotes in or about city property; load-ins or load-outs supporting indoor performances; or such activities in or about any street, park, marginal street, pier, wharf, dock, bridge or tunnel within the jurisdiction of any City department or agency, or involving the use of any City owned or maintained facilities or equipment. As defined herein, the Film Office will issue permits for scouting, rigging, and shooting activities. Obtaining such a permit does not obviate the need to comply with other applicable laws, rules or case law also governing such activity.
(b)Permits.
(1)The following activities require that a permit be obtained pursuant to this chapter: a. Filming, photography, production, television, or radio remotes occurring on City property, as described in subdivision (a) of this section, that uses vehicles or equipment. b. Filming, photography, production, television or radio remotes occurring on City property, as described in subdivision (a) of this section, (i) if such activity involves the assertion by any means, including physical or verbal, of exclusive use of one or more lanes of a street or walkway of a bridge or (ii) if such activity involves the assertion by any means, including physical or verbal, of exclusive use of more than one-half width of a sidewalk or other pedestrian passageway or, in a situation in which the sidewalk or pedestrian passageway is narrower than sixteen feet, if such activity involves the assertion by any means, including physical or verbal, of exclusive use of the sidewalk or pedestrian passageway such that less than eight feet is otherwise available for pedestrian use.
(2)The following activities do not require that a permit be obtained pursuant to this chapter: a. Standing on a sidewalk, walkway of a bridge or other pedestrian passageway while using a handheld device and not otherwise asserting exclusive use by any means. b. Filming, photography, production, television or radio remotes occurring on City property, as described in subdivision (a) of this section, involving the use of handheld devices as defined in paragraph three of subdivision (a) of 43 RCNY § 9-02, (i) if such activity does not involve the assertion by any means, including physical or verbal, of exclusive use of a sidewalk or walkway of a bridge or (ii) if such activity does not involve the assertion by any means, including physical or verbal, of exclusive use of more than one-half width of a sidewalk or other pedestrian passageway or, in a situation in which the sidewalk or pedestrian passageway is narrower than sixteen feet, does not involve the assertion by any means, including physical or verbal, of exclusive use of the sidewalk or pedestrian passageway such that less than eight feet is otherwise available for pedestrian use. c. Filming or photography of a parade except when using vehicles or equipment. d. Filming or photography of a rally, protest, or demonstration. e. The takeoff or landing of unmanned aircraft (including drones) if such takeoff or landing is entirely within the authority of 38 RCNY Chapter 24.
(c)Press cards. The use of a press card issued in accordance with 43 RCNY Chapter 16 (“Press Credentials”), where an individual is acting in furtherance of the activity authorized by such press card, and is engaged in filming as defined in these rules, does not require that a permit be obtained pursuant to this chapter.
(d)Authorization from other agencies. Notwithstanding the provisions of subdivision (a) of this section, scouting, rigging, or shooting activities within City parks or the interiors of City buildings, bridges or tunnels require, if applicable, separate authorization from the City agency with jurisdiction over the location. The use of certain items or activities, including but not limited to animals, firearms (actual or simulated), special effects, pyrotechnics, police uniforms, police vehicles, unmanned aircraft (including drones), driving shots with tow or camera rigs, and conditions that require holding of traffic may require authorization and/or assistance from the relevant government agency. (Amended City Record 12/1/2023, eff. 12/31/2023)
