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2008-86(c)
City of Muskegon
Film & Music Events Policy
“We welcome you to the City of Muskegon for your filming and recording event needs!”
Muskegon is a city of natural beauty and urban vitality. Filming opportunities are
virtually limitless. From the miles of public beaches to the revitalized downtown, to
urban- and suburban-type neighborhoods and extensive parks and public lands,
Muskegon offers you the locations you need to make your film or recording event a
success.
The Film, Music and Special Events Liaison is the Director of Community & Economic
Development of the City of Muskegon. We are committed to providing you with
information and resources to help you with your filming and recording needs. The
permitting process is the best way to achieve this. Permits are required for all film, music
and event activities.* Here are the ways we can assist:
e Film Permit cost is $50.00**
® Use of City property, including parks, City facilities, and grounds as part of the
permit fee (providing no additional services, such as street closures, are
requested)
e Planning meeting with affected City departments to strategize for coordination
between the film crew and the City staff
e Streamlined permit process and costs
Please call the Director of Community & Economic Development of the City of
Muskegon as soon as you determine you will be working in Muskegon. The more lead
time given, the better we can serve you. The permit application needs to be completed no
later than 10 days before your first day of work.
* Exemptions from permits exist for the following production activities: 1)
The filming, videotaping or other production of current news which includes
reporters, photographers and camera persons employed by a newspaper, news
service, cable or broadcasting station or similar entity engaged in news events,
and 2) The filming, videotaping or other productions solely for one’s private,
family use.
** Exemptions from permit fee requirements (still required to complete a permit
application) are available: 1) When filming, videotaping or other types of
productions for a charitable purpose or from which no profit is derived either
directly or indirectly; 2) When filming, videotaping or other types of productions
for a current class assignment. Students must provide written documentation by
school or professor, as well as a current student identification to qualify for the
exemption.
FILM & MUSIC EVENTS CONTACT
Film, Music and Special Events Liaison:
Director of Community & Economic Development- 231-724-6702
| REQUIREMENTS FOR FILMING |
INSURANCE COVERAGE
In order to obtain a City permit, you must provide proof of liability insurance including
the following coverage and language:
e The City of Muskegon shall be named as an “Additional Insured” under policy
with respect to permits issued by the City. The Address is City of Muskegon, 933
Terrace St., P.O. Box 536, Muskegon, MI 49443-0536.
e General Liability: $1 million Bodily Injury and Property Damage combined.
Automobile Liability: $1 million Bodily Injury and Property Damage combined.
« Use of explosives: $2 million Bodily Injury and Property Damage combined.
The City of Muskegon shall be given 20 days notice of any change, cancellation,
expiration or renewal of the policy. Only one certificate of insurance is required by the
City for your filming operation. It will cover all City Departments. Please notify us at
231-724-6702.
SAMPLE CERTIFICATE OF LIABILITY INSURANCE
COMMUNITY NOTIFICATION
* The City welcomes you and your film crew in Muskegon. We also want our
residents to feel the same way. It is important to properly notify any residents
and/or businesses that may be affected by the filming. When filming on private
property, an applicant shall obtain the property owner’s signature prior to the
granting of a permit. Additionally, the applicant may be required to provide
advance notice and/or gain approvals from ali appropriate residents and
homeowners associations located near the proposed film permit activity as
determined by the Director of Community & Economic Development.
| MASTER FILM PERMIT FEES
Most Productions:
© $50.00 Film Permit Fee
THE PERMIT FEES INCLUDE:
- The use of City property, including parks, exterior spaces, and other
City facilities.
- Street Closure Permits (not barricade costs)
- All City of Muskegon costs associated with issuing and overseeing the
Master Film Permit and it’s components
FILMING IN MUSKEGON
ADVANCE NOTICE
Most permits can be issued very quickly. Film permits that involve coordination with
several different agencies or jurisdictions take more time. Your filming needs may vary
from the very simple to the very complex. We need 10 days notice of your intent to film
in Muskegon to begin the process. The more complex the project, the more lead time is
necessary. * The City of Muskegon reserves the right to make the final
determination on the approval of the permit, based on the specific requests and
filming content.
MASTER FILM PERMIT
Before your initial meeting and/or conversation with the Director of Community &
Economic Development, you may want to go to our website, www.shorelinecity.com and
find the Master Film Permit Application. This form, after approval, will become your
Film Permit. A copy of the Film Permit must be kept at the film site at all times.
Another copy must be given to the lead police officer upon arrival at the site.
SEASONAL RESTRICTIONS
There will be no shooting allowed downtown during certain summer events (contact the
Director of Community & Economic Development for details) unless special
atrangements are made and agreed to by the City.
PARKING, STREET CLOSURES, BARRICADES, ETC.
Details regarding specific needs for the film or music crew must be included on the
permit. The individual departments dealing with these issues will work with you, after
notification by the Director of Community & Economic Development. If you find
additional needs after the filming has started, work through the Director of Community &
Economic Development, and s/he will contact other relevant departments to work with
you.
HOURS OF FILMING
Filming is limited to the hours of 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. weekdays and 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. on
weekends. This applies to the arrival and departure of cast, crew and equipment, as well
as actual filming. In some instances, if advance written approval is obtained from the
majority (80%) of the residents affected, the Director of Community & Economic
Development may grant an extension.
MUSKEGON PUBLIC SAFETY
In Muskegon, public safety services encompass the police, fire and inspections
departments. The Director of Public Safety (or his/her designee) will be contacted by the
Director of Community & Economic Development regarding any film permit application.
The Director of Public Safety shall determine if any public safety services are necessary,
including whether or not police officers or fire inspectors should be assigned to be on site
during filming or production activities, as well as any fees to be charged. All fees
associated with public safety services have been per-determined by the City Commission
and have taken into account collective bargaining agreements. These fees are in addition
to any other fees assessed by the City.
Director of Public Safety
Muskegon Police Department
PHONE 231-724-6750
SPECIAL EFFECTS
Special effects, including gunfire, explosions, cars or people repelling (off dunes,
buildings, etc.), helicopter flying, etc. are generally not permitted by the City. However,
on rare occasions the City may grant permission with specific restrictions, pending
approval by selected residents and/or homeowners associations. Special effects will
require an additional permit.
LEISURE SERVICES AND PARKS DEPARTMENTS _|
ADVANCE NOTICE
User should call the Director of Community & Economic Development (“Director”)as far
in advance as possible. The “Director” will coordinate with the Leisure Services and
Parks Department to schedule your shoot.
If you are using any of the parks and/or beaches (particularly if you need an area
sectioned off where the public is not allowed during filming), there may be a need for
park rangers to assist. Park rangers will ensure that your filming takes place undisturbed,
as well assist with public relations to help the public understand why they cannot enter a
certain area during filming. The cost for park rangers is not included in the permit fee.
Park rangers are only available during the summer months.
Depending upon the extent of activities and time of year, formal approval and issuance of
the permit may take from two days to two weeks. Please plan accordingly. Proof of
liability insurance will be required prior to issuance of final permit.
FEES
Use of the buildings and property is included in the Master Film Permit fees; however, it
does not include charges for utilities, water hook-up or staff costs.
OTHER RESTRICTIONS
« WEAPONS. The use of weapons (real or simulated) in a public place, or in view
of the public, will require the presences of at least one Muskegon Police Officer
on site.
e There are other times during the year that filming and parking restrictions may
apply in various parts of the City. Restrictions may apply during summer
festivals and other various events; around certain construction projects, or during
large conventions or sporting events. The Director of Community & Economic
Development will inform you of any potential restrictions during your planned
filming period.
e Ifthere is substantial disruption (particularly parking), the neighborhood and/or
business district needs to be informed at least one week in advance.
Adopted: October 14, 2008
San SOUWAK Qa dw
Ann Marie Becker, MMC
City Clerk
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