After MTV Request, Toms River Changes Filming Ordinance

With no ordinance on the books, Toms River could simply say "no" to requests for commercial filming in residential neighborhoods. A new ordinance passed last night changes that, installing a permit process, after MTV came requesting a show featuring "Snooki" and "J-Woww" here.

Township Administrator Paul Shives said the previous policy didn't keep up with current case law, so Toms River took a look at its policy and drafted an up-to-date ordinance that creates a permit process for those wanting to film in the township for motion pictures, television or other commercial purposes.

"The look at our policy was prompted by MTV's request, yes," Shives said. "Now the ordinance requires requests to be filed for a permit."

Township officials will review the permit and residents can provide input. Shives said the producers will also be forced to pay for traffic safety and police that may be required to facilitate their filming, if a permit is even approved.

MTV prominently filmed multiple seasons of its show "Jersey Shore" in Seaside Heights and some commercial locations in Toms River, but came to request filming at Jenni "JWoww" Farley's Toms River home for a spin-off show. Officials denied the request and the crew headed to Manchester.