[HISTORY: Adopted by the Township Committee of the Township of Franklin 5-7-2020 by Ord. No. 2020-05. Amendments noted where applicable.]
As used in this chapter, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated:
CREW
Actors, extras, crew and all other persons who will participate in the filming.
FILMING
The taking of still or motion pictures, or any incidental activities in connection therewith, using film, videotape or similar recording equipment, for commercial or educational purposes, intended for viewing on television or in theaters or for institutional use or for advertising purposes, any portion of which activity occurs on public lands.
PUBLIC LANDS
Any and every public street, highway, sidewalk or square, public park or playground or other public place within the Township which is within the jurisdiction and control of the Township.
There shall be a three-member Film Commission established, consisting of the Mayor, the Officer in Charge of the Franklin Township Police Department and one Committeeperson appointed by the Mayor, or their designees, which is hereby authorized to issue permits for filming or performing incidental activities in connection therewith on public lands.
A. 
No person, firm or corporation shall film or permit filming or any activity in connection therewith within the Township of Franklin on public land without first obtaining a permit therefor from the Film Commission, which permit shall set forth the location of such filming and the date or dates when filming shall take place.
B. 
Permit forms shall be obtained from the office of the Township Clerk during normal business hours. Applications for such permits shall be in a form approved by the Township Clerk and shall be accompanied by a permit fee as set forth in Chapter 182, Fees.
C. 
With each permit, the applicant shall provide the following information:
(1) 
The number of members of the filming crew.
(2) 
The estimated number and description of types of all vehicles to be used by the crew, including vehicles used for transportation.
(3) 
A description of arrangements for parking for crew and work vehicles.
(4) 
A description of sanitary arrangements to be made for crew and bystanders.
(5) 
A description of crowd control measures.
(6) 
A description of all location areas for filming or incidental activities.
(7) 
A description of cleanup methods to be used.
(8) 
A description of any special electrical requirements and the methods of satisfying those requirements, including all electrical permits required.
(9) 
Such information necessary to establish that the applicant can comply with the rules and regulations set forth in § 185-4 hereof.
(10) 
Proof of insurance coverage as follows: combined single limit liability limits of $1,000,000 and aggregate coverage in the amount of $2,000,000. The Township of Franklin shall be named as an additional insured under the applicant's policy.
(11) 
An agreement in writing to indemnify and save harmless the Township of Franklin from any and all liability or damages from the use of such public lands for such filming.
(12) 
Such other information as required by the Film Commission necessary to protect the health, safety and welfare of the residents of the Township.
Prior to the issuance of the permit, the applicant shall post a cash bond in the amount of $2,000 to assure that the applicant has fully complied with all the terms and conditions of the permit and to reimburse the Township for property damage. The posting of the bond shall not be in lieu of providing liability insurance. The cash bond will be returned to the applicant, without interest, within 30 days after the applicant has notified the Township, in writing, that it has completed filming, unless the Township has unsatisfied claims against the applicant, in which case the Township will hold the bond, or a part thereof, until all claims against the applicant are satisfied.
A. 
The holder of a permit shall take all reasonable steps to minimize interference with the free passage of pedestrians and traffic over public lands and shall comply with all lawful directives issued by the Township of Franklin Police Department with respect thereto.
B. 
The holder of a permit shall conduct filming in such a manner so as to minimize the inconvenience or discomfort to adjoining property owners attributable to such filming and shall, to the extent practicable, abate noise and park vehicles associated with such filming off the public streets. The holder shall avoid any interference with previously scheduled activities upon public lands and limit to the extent possible any interference with normal public activity on such public lands.
C. 
The holder of a permit shall take all reasonable steps to minimize the creation and spread of debris and rubbish during filming and shall be responsible for removing all equipment, debris and other rubbish from the filming location upon the completion of filming or the expiration of the permit, whichever comes first. The Township will require the posting of a letter of credit, bond or other performance guaranty in the amount of $1,000 to cover possible costs incurred.
D. 
Filming shall take place within the hours agreed upon by the Township Film Commission and the film company.
E. 
Each film location shall have an off-duty Township of Franklin police officer, or a police officer approved by the Township of Franklin Police Chief, at the film location, the cost of which shall be paid by the film company, unless the Chief shall determine that no officer is necessary.
F. 
No public street in the Township may be closed without the express permission of the Township Committee.
G. 
If any inspections such as fire, electrical, building or plumbing are required, the costs shall be paid by the film company.
A. 
The Film Commission will authorize the issuance of a permit to the applicant if it determines, based on the information supplied, that the applicant can provide adequate measures for parking, sanitary facilities, crowd control and cleanup; that the applicant will comply with the rules and regulations set forth in § 185-4 hereof; and that the filming will not unduly interfere with the use and enjoyment of private property or the public facilities of the Township and will not endanger the public's health, safety and welfare.
B. 
The Township Film Commission may refuse to issue a permit whenever, in its judgment, based on the information submitted, it determines that:
(1) 
Filming at the location and/or the time set forth in the application would violate any law or ordinance or would unreasonably interfere with the use and enjoyment of adjoining properties, unreasonably impede the free flow of vehicular or pedestrian traffic or otherwise endanger the public's health, safety or welfare.
(2) 
The applicant has not established that it has provided adequate measures for parking, sanitary facilities, crowd control and cleanup.
(3) 
The applicant has failed to establish that the filming would not unreasonably interfere with the use and enjoyment of adjoining properties; unreasonably impede the free flow of vehicular or pedestrian traffic; or otherwise endanger the public's health, safety or welfare.
(4) 
The applicant has not shown that it can comply with the rules and regulations set forth in § 185-4 hereof.
Any person violating this chapter or rules and regulations contained herein shall be subject to a fine not to exceed $1,000 or imprisonment for a term not to exceed 90 days, or both.
The provisions of this chapter shall not apply to the filming of news stories or filming with a crew of four or fewer members.