Obtaining a Film Yonkers Permit

To ensure a quality and safe filming experience, completion of a Film Yonkers Permit application is required by all productions.

• The Mayor's Office of Film & Photography (MOFP) requests receipt of film permit applications and proof of insurance coverage at a minimum of seven (7) business days in advance of the first day of production.

Resident/Business Notification

Notification requirements are set forth in the MOFP’s Code of Conduct (below). Productions are responsible for notifying residents and copying MOFP on such notification.

Mayor’s Office of Film & Photography Safety Policy

By accepting a permit, the permittee agrees to protect all persons and property from damage, loss or injury arising from any of the operations performed by or on behalf of the permittee, and to indemnify and hold harmless the City of Yonkers, to the fullest extent permitted by law, from all claims, losses and expenses, including attorneys’ fees, that may result therefrom.

Pyrotechnic special effects, fire effects and explosions, including simulated smoke and smoke effects, shall be conducted only upon authorization by the MOFP with Yonkers Fire Department approval. Any activity involving the closing of a public street or interruption of traffic must be approved by the Yonkers Police Department. Plans to erect any temporary structure (large tents, scaffolding, sheds, etc.) must be submitted to the MOFP for approval.

Conduct or activities associated with permits which are determined by the MOFP to cause a potential danger to persons or property will be referred by MOFP for approval by the Yonkers Police Department or other governmental agency having jurisdiction over such activity. Such activities shall include, but not be limited to, the use of stunts, helicopters, firearms or simulated firearms. Failure to notify the MOFP of such activity may result in revocation of permits and additional charges associated with any need for emergency services.

Mayor's Office of Film & Photography (MOFP) Code of Conduct

All productions are expected to adhere to the Code of Conduct listed below.

1. Permit

   All production companies or representatives must apply for a film permit from the MOFP. In order to ensure timely issuance of permits, we request that once the application is accepted and confirmed by the MOFP, payment fees must be submitted before the first production film date.  Additional permits for services may be required where appropriate ie. fire hydrant use, etc. 

2. Insurance Information

   In addition to any liability or obligation of the producer, the producer shall indemnify and hold Yonkers and its directors, officers and employees harmless from and against any damages, costs, claims or liabilities which Yonkers may sustain or proceedings which may be made or brought against Yonkers for or in relation to any personal injury or property damage caused by the negligent acts or omissions of the producer.

   Neither the producer nor any of its subcontractors shall commence work until the producer has delivered certificates of insurance evidencing the insurance required on, the coverage and amounts of which are set forth below:

   • Producer's payroll services company shall provide Worker's Compensation Insurance and Employer's Liability Insurance as required under the Worker's Compensation Law.
   • Producer shall maintain Commercial General Liability Insurance, listing Yonkers as an additional insured, in the minimum amount of $2,000,000 in the aggregate.

1. Notification to residents and businesses

   When filming in a residential neighborhood or business district, proper notification is to be provided to each merchant or neighbor who is directly affected by the production and its operations at least 48 hours in advance. When filming in front of a business, productions should refrain from blocking entry by customers into the storefront.
   
   The following information must be provided:
   
   • Name of company and production
   • Location contact and phone number (available to be reached at all hours during production)
   • Description of production
   • Film dates and times at location
   • Approved Parking

2. Filming Hours

   Productions may film only during the hours specified within the application approved by the MOFP. Filming between the hours of 10pm – 7am is prohibited on residential streets without prior written consent of the MOFP.

3. Traffic & Safety Services

   Productions utilizing public streets for filming or parking may request traffic control and parking services. In certain cases such services, including fire protection, may be required as deemed appropriate by the MOFP. Directing or holding up of traffic by production crew or any agents associated with the production is prohibited. Productions are required to disclose all stunts, pyrotechnics and any other activities that may pose a safety risk to people at the film location or in its vicinity. This includes productions filming at private residences or designated film locations. The production company is responsible for costs associated with police or fire safety services as needed.

4. Parking Services

   Street parking for production vehicles is only permitted as approved in the parking permit provided by the MOFP. Moving or towing of vehicles is prohibited. Should there be a need to move a vehicle parked in an area reserved for the production, a company representative should contact the MOFP. At no time shall production vehicles block roadways, driveways, fire hydrants or other No Parking zones without advanced permission.

5. Compliance with Code of Conduct

   The Mayor’s Office of Film & Photography reserves the right to stop production for failure to comply with the Code of Conduct or any laws or ordinances of the City of Yonkers and State of New York.