Filming on Privately Owned Land

Council approval is not required for filming on private land. However, filmmakers must notify Council even when filming is entirely contained within private land. Please refer to the State Environmental Planning Policy (SEPP4): https://legislation.nsw.gov.au/view/html/inforce/2008-01-01/epi-1981-0021

Submit an Application

You need to apply to notify North Sydney Council for permission to do filming or to take stills photography.

Please ensure you have read the following documents prior to lodging your application:

Filming and Photography - permit (282KB)

Filming and Photography - code of conduct (228KB)

Filming and Photography - terms and conditions (234KB)

Policies for Filming

Local Government Film Protocol (353KB)

Please read our policy D5-26 Filming in the Council Area Policy (135KB)

Road Closure for Filming

RMS Filming Projects - guidelines for Parking & Road Closures (333KB)

Ultra Low, Low, Medium, High Impact Applications

The impact of the filming or still photography will determine what is required from the applicant.  

Applications must be submitted no later than 3 working days prior to filming. It is best to submit an application as early as possible so we can advise of any further requirements. Additional lead time will be required if the application involves the closure of a road.

On lodgement all applications must include:

• A complete application form
  See Section Part 1-7 of the application form.
• Certificate of Currency
  Policies must be in $AUD public liability must be for no less than $20 Million.
• Payment
  We are unable to commence assessing your application until we have received the Application Fee. Check the Application Fee.
• Written Police Approval
  Written police approval is required for following activities:
  • when application includes a traffic management plan
  • when it includes a group of 100 people or more
  • when it involves activities such as simulated robbery/assault, firearms, police in uniform or police vehicles

  Harbourside Area Command requires 3 days notice (minimum)
  
  Contact: Harbourside Area Command
  Phone: (02) 9969 1933
  Fax: (02) 9969 1991 

NOTE: depending on the nature and impact of your application the following may also be required. Council will advise of any further requirements upon receipt of your application.

• Community Notification
  Read information on how to notify residents and stakeholders of your proposal.

  Sample Resident Notification Letter (25KB)

• Parking, Road Closures, Access and Traffic Control
  Read information on road closures and traffic control

Cancellations and Amendments

From time to time filming approvals need changes and amendments.

Wet Weather Cancellation

A wet weather option can be nominated. The date is transferable in the event of wet weather at no extra cost. If it rains on the day, applicants are required to contact Council by telephone (and in writing) before the commencement time to advise it is unable to proceed because of wet weather. Upon confirmation you can elect to:

1. Transfer to an alternative date.
2. Receive a refund (excludes Application Fee).

If you film on an alternative day, you are required to letter drop the residents or stakeholders that may be affected by the change.

Filming Cancellation - Request are to be made in writing.Application Fees are non refundable.

Filming Amendment - Any changes need to be discussed with Council's Bookings Officer and maybe subject to additional approvals. An amendment fee will apply if the change affects a previously issued permit. Cost: 75% of the Application Fee. This excludes requests for alternative days due to wet weather.