Rochester Considers $125 Permit Fee for Filmmakers

New ordinance aims to cover administrative costs for film productions in the city

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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The Rochester City Council is introducing a new ordinance that would require filmmakers using professional-grade equipment to apply for a $125 permit, with an additional $25 fee for each extra day of filming. The ordinance applies to commercial filming on city property and is designed to cover the administrative costs of the multi-departmental review and approval process.

Why it matters

The proposed permit fees are significantly higher than those in other Minnesota cities like Austin, Minneapolis, and St. Paul, which could make it more difficult for filmmakers to work in Rochester. However, the city argues the fees are necessary to cover the administrative burden of ensuring film productions meet safety standards.

The details

The ordinance, which had its first reading on February 18, would require filmmakers working in Rochester for commercial purposes on city property to obtain a permit. Filming for more than 30 minutes without a permit could result in fines or a petty misdemeanor. Other cities in Minnesota charge much less, with some offering free permits for the first day.

  • The Rochester City Council had the first reading of the ordinance on February 18, 2026.
  • The council will conduct a second reading of the ordinance at a later date, after which it could become official.

The players

Rochester City Council

The governing body of Rochester, Minnesota that is considering the new film permit ordinance.

Luke Heikkila

The film and TV liaison for Explore Minnesota, who believes the city should waive the permit fee to make it more accessible for film productions.

Shaun Palmer

A Rochester City Council member who said the council will conduct a second reading of the ordinance at a later date.

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What they’re saying

“If it were up to me, I would ask them to waive the fee to make it more accessible for a film production to want to come in and do their filming.”

— Luke Heikkila, Film and TV Liaison, Explore Minnesota (kaaltv.com)

“The baseline $125 potential fee is designed to cover the time, review, and coordination required to obtain sign-offs from all required departments. Given the likely quick turnaround and complexity of approvals, $125 is a reasonable baseline cost.”

— City of Rochester Spokesperson (kaaltv.com)

What’s next

The Rochester City Council will conduct a second reading of the ordinance at a later date, after which it could become official.

The takeaway

The proposed film permit fees in Rochester are significantly higher than in other Minnesota cities, which could make it more difficult for filmmakers to work in the city. However, the city argues the fees are necessary to cover the administrative costs of ensuring film productions meet safety standards.