Articles Township government
Film Ready and filming permits, explained
Warren adopted a filming permit ordinance in July 2026 and was certified Film Ready New Jersey on July 30. What the permit covers, what it costs and what the record leaves open.
Certification and ordinance
On April 16, 2026 Committeeman McCarey told the Committee that New Jersey “is on the verge of becoming the third highest state in the country in terms of revenue from film production” and described Film Ready program requirements, including ordinances and resolutions. He asked the Township to adopt an ordinance and code of conduct at the next meeting. At the same meeting Committeeman Croson reported that Warren is featured in the Netflix series “Big Mistakes” and thanked McCarey for his Film Ready work.
On May 14, 2026 McCarey reported that an ordinance would be introduced the next month and that photographs had been taken for the Film Ready submission. The Committee introduced Ordinance 26-20 on June 18, 2026, 5–0, with yes votes from McCarey, Blick, Croson, Kian and Fine, and set the public hearing for July 16, 2026.
The Committee adopted the ordinance July 16, 2026, 4–0 (McCarey, Blick, Kian, Fine), with Croson absent. The hearing opened and closed with no comments.
On July 30, 2026 the Township announced certification by the New Jersey Motion Picture & Television Commission. McCarey is quoted saying the designation presents an opportunity and “we look forward to a long, mutually-beneficial relationship” with the commission, citing “many, unique, rural settings which could double as a multitude of other locations.” Mayor Shaun Fine is quoted on parks, open spaces, scenic roadways and historic areas. On Aug. 20, 2026 McCarey reported the certification to the Committee.
When permits apply
Under the ordinance, no person or organization may film on public or private property where the filming involves use of public property for vehicles or equipment without a permit. The permit sets the location and duration of the filming.
Applications must be made in writing on a specific form. Filming on public lands requires a certificate of insurance. Approved permits are sent to the Police and Fire Departments before filming. A copy is also sent to njfilm@njeda.gov. The Fire Prevention Bureau or other Township officials may inspect the site.
The ordinance does not describe a separate application deadline before the filming date. It also does not state a review period for the Township to act on an application.
Fees, notice and exemptions
The daily filming fee is $150 per day, except for major motion pictures, which pay $500 per day. There is no daily fee for filming entirely on private property without using public property.
Written notice must reach affected parties at least three days before filming. The ordinance names adjoining property owners and others the Township designates as the parties to be notified.
The ordinance lists exemptions: news stories; personal or family filming with a hand-held camera; student and educational filming with certification; filming sponsored by the Township or Board of Education; and wedding photography of one to two hours.
What the record does not show
The records reviewed do not include a film permit log, a count of permits issued since certification, or the fees collected. They do not state conditions on road closures, noise or recovery of police overtime costs; the ordinance text addresses notice, insurance and inspection.
McCarey’s Aug. 20, 2026 invitation for residents and businesses interested in having their property considered for filming does not describe a maintained list of available properties.
The New Jersey Motion Picture & Television Commission’s own certification page was not retrieved, so the Township’s July 30, 2026 release is the record for the certification date. One resident, Rick de Pinho of Wilshire Road, raised the ordinance at the May 14, 2026 meeting and asked the Committee “to consider the impact on citizens”; no other speaker on the topic appears in the minutes reviewed.