Location Permits: Arlington Heights vs Orland Park
How do location permits rules compare between Arlington Heights, IL and Orland Park, IL?
Arlington Heights and Orland Park 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 →Orland Park, IL
Cook County
Commercial filming in Orland Park requires a film permit issued by the Village Manager's office when filming involves public property, rights-of-way, or significant impact on residential or commercial areas. Personal use and small still photography are generally exempt.
View full Orland Park rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Arlington Heights | Orland Park |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | - |
| Permit Required | - | Public property/ROW filming |
| Insurance | - | $1-2M typical |
| Police Detail | - | May be required |
| Resident Notice | - | Often required |
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.
Orland Park FAQ
Do I need a permit to film in Orland Park?
Commercial filming on village property or rights-of-way requires a film permit. Personal use, news, and small still photography are generally exempt.
How do I apply for a film permit?
Contact the Village Manager's office at the Civic Center. Provide your production schedule, location plans, insurance certificate, and any traffic or parking impact details.
Can I film with a drone?
Yes, with both a village film permit and FAA LAANC authorization for Midway airspace. Commercial drone work requires Part 107 certification.
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