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Wilmington staff proposes charging a film‑permit review fee to recover staff costs
Summary
City staff told the advisory board the administration will propose a film-permit review fee as part of the FY27 budget to recover staff time spent processing film applications; city operations and some after-hours fees would remain exceptions.
WILMINGTON — City staff informed the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board on Feb. 18 that the administration will propose charging a film‑permit review fee as part of the FY27 budget development.
Amy said the city has historically charged $0 to encourage filming but staff research shows many peer cities charge a permit review fee to recover staff time. Mary Tophillan, the special events supervisor who handles film-permit intake, was cited as the staff member who spends time reviewing permits. Amy said exceptions for city uses would continue and that rental fees already in the schedule would apply where appropriate; she flagged the Skyline Building as an exception that may be treated differently because of security and tenant considerations.
Staff said they have not set an exact fee amount and are raising the board’s awareness so members understand the change before it goes to City Council as part of the budget process.
