Filming & Production in Schaumburg, IL

If you live in Schaumburg or are thinking about moving there, filming & production are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. Schaumburg has 2 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of filming & production, and some of them might surprise you.

Location Permits

Schaumburg requires a special event permit before commercial film production uses public or private property in the village. Village Code § 109.05(F) covers commercials, movies, TV programs, training tapes and other moving-picture activity; only actual news filming by media or government agencies is exempt. Standard applications go to the village manager at least 21 days ahead under § 109.03.

Key details: Permit authority: Village manager or designee, § 109.03(A). Governing section: § 109.05(F), Film Production. Standard lead time: 21 days before the event, § 109.03(D)(1). News exemption: Actual news coverage by media or government exempt. Late fee: Charged per § 41.01 for late applications.

Filming commercially in Schaumburg without the § 109.05(F) permit exposes the production to enforcement as an unpermitted special event; if the shoot also occupies the public right-of-way, § 109.06(A) separately makes it unlawful to participate in an unauthorized street activity. Fees, late charges under § 41.01, and any required village-service costs remain due regardless of enforcement action.

Street Closures

When a Schaumburg film shoot needs to close or occupy a street, Village Code § 109.06(A) requires a special event permit before any street or public place can be used, and participating without one is unlawful. The village may also demand a cash deposit under § 109.06(A)(1) to cover potential costs, set at the discretion of the director of community development.

Key details: Governing section: § 109.06(A), Use of Public Right-of-Way. Deposit: Cash deposit set by community development director. Board approval: Required for public right-of-way special events. Lead time: 60 days first event, 45 days after, § 109.03(D)(2). Companion permit: Film Production permit under § 109.05(F).

Closing or occupying a Schaumburg street for a shoot without the § 109.06 permit is unlawful under the section's own text, and any required cash deposit under § 109.06(A)(1) remains payable regardless. A production that skips the standing-committee and village board approval required for right-of-way events under § 109.03(A) risks having the shoot halted and future applications denied.

Compared to other cities, Schaumburg takes a harder line on street closures. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.

The Bottom Line

Schaumburg's filming & production rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Schaumburg is broadly strict or permissive.

Keep in mind that Schaumburg can amend these rules at any council meeting. For the most current version of any rule mentioned here, check the specific ordinance page, where we track updates as they happen.