Film Ready and filming permits

Warren Township adopted Ordinance 26-20 on July 16, 2026, adding a “Filming” section to Chapter 4, “Licensing-General,” of the Township code. The Committee introduced it June 18, 2026, 5–0, and adopted it 4–0 (McCarey, Blick, Kian, Fine; Croson absent) after a public hearing that drew no comments.

The ordinance requires a permit to film on public or private property when the filming uses public property for vehicles or equipment. Applications are made in writing on a prescribed form, with a certificate of insurance for filming on public lands. Written notice goes to adjoining property owners and others the Township designates at least three days before filming.

The daily fee is $150, or $500 for a major motion picture. There is no daily fee for filming entirely on private property without use of public property. Exemptions include 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.

Approved permits go to the Police and Fire Departments before filming, with a copy to njfilm@njeda.gov. The Fire Prevention Bureau or other Township officials may inspect the site.

On July 30, 2026 the Township announced certification as a Film Ready New Jersey municipality by the New Jersey Motion Picture & Television Commission. The release says Committeeman McCarey led the effort. At the May 14, 2026 meeting, resident Rick de Pinho of Wilshire Road asked the Committee “to consider the impact on citizens.”