Location Permits: Arlington Heights vs Oak Lawn
How do location permits rules compare between Arlington Heights, IL and Oak Lawn, IL?
Arlington Heights and Oak Lawn have similar restriction levels.
Arlington Heights, IL
Cook County
Forest Preserves of Cook County issue filming permits for productions on FPDCC's 70,000 acres under FPDCC Ordinance Article VI. Suburban Cook municipalities typically run their own film offices; Chicago has its own DCASE Film Office. The county itself has no countywide film office.
View full Arlington Heights rules →Oak Lawn, IL
Cook County
Commercial filming on public property or rights-of-way in Oak Lawn requires a Village film permit with insurance and coordination. Filming on private property with owner consent generally does not require a Village permit.
View full Oak Lawn rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Arlington Heights | Oak Lawn |
|---|---|---|
| Forest Preserve permit | FPDCC Article VI | - |
| FPDCC daily fee | $250–$2,500 plus insurance | - |
| Suburban offices | Each city issues separately | - |
| Chicago handler | DCASE Film Office | - |
| Countywide office | None; contact each jurisdiction | - |
| Village Permit | - | Required for public property |
| Insurance | - | COI required |
| Park Filming | - | Park District permit |
| Drone Filming | - | FAA + LAANC |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Arlington Heights FAQ
Do I need a Cook County filming permit for a music video shoot?
Cook County itself does not issue countywide filming permits. You need a Forest Preserve permit for FPDCC land, a municipal permit from the suburb or village, or a DCASE permit if shooting in Chicago. Each agency runs its own application.
How much does an FPDCC filming permit cost?
Forest Preserve filming fees scale with crew size and impact, generally $250–$2,500 per day plus a refundable damage deposit and proof of $1 million general liability insurance naming FPDCC as additional insured.
Can I film a wedding ceremony at a Cook forest preserve?
Personal photography for a small wedding generally falls under the FPDCC special-use picnic permit rather than the commercial filming permit. Hiring a paid photo or video crew may push the event into the commercial category requiring a higher fee.
Oak Lawn FAQ
Do I need a permit to film on my own business property?
Generally not for the Village, though you must still comply with signage, noise, and traffic rules. Activities affecting the public sidewalk or street trigger permit requirements.
What insurance do I need?
A certificate of insurance naming the Village as additional insured, with limits typically in the $1M-$5M range depending on scope. Confirm exact requirements with the Village Manager's office.
Can I film in an Oak Lawn park?
Yes, with an Oak Lawn Park District permit separate from the Village film permit. Coordination with Park District staff covers reservations, fees, and any resident-notification requirements.
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