Consider and take appropriate action on Ordinance O-22-25, an Ordinance of the City of Kaufman, Texas, amending Chapter 5 “Business Regulations” of the City’s Code of Ordinances by adopting Article 5.11 “Film and Media Production” providing for the regulation of filing activities affecting city-owned and controlled and related property, equipment and personnel for motion picture production; delegating authority to City Manager for administering regulations adopted hereby; amending Appendix A “Fe

Staff Report & Agenda Item Details

The City of Kaufman has been working towards becoming a Film Friendly certified community. Ordinance O-22-25 proposes the adoption of administratively enforceable filming guidelines and associated fees that clearly define expectations for permitting, operations, and public impact. These guidelines aim to ensure that filming occurs in a manner that supports the industry while protecting the quality of life for residents and businesses. The certification, administered by the Texas Film Commission, requires cities to have official filming guidelines and demonstrate readiness to accommodate media productions professionally and cooperatively. Adopting this ordinance will promote economic development, encourage positive community exposure, and provide regulatory clarity for all parties involved in future filming activities.

This motion is scored as EXPANDS_GOVERNMENT (Impact Weight: 7.2/10). Under the Bastiat Liberty Watchdog Index, measures that increase tax rates or fee schedules, issue new debt or Certificates of Obligation, expand regulatory/zoning restrictions on private land use, or authorize unbudgeted spending expansions reduce an official's Freedom Score when voted YES (and reward dissenting NO votes).