Location Permits: Arlington Heights vs Skokie
How do location permits rules compare between Arlington Heights, IL and Skokie, IL?
Arlington Heights and Skokie 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 →Skokie, IL
Cook County
Commercial film and photography productions using Skokie streets, parks, or public property must obtain a film permit from the Village. The Chicago metro film market occasionally brings productions to Skokie locations.
View full Skokie rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Arlington Heights | Skokie |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | - | Commercial productions on public property |
| Insurance | - | Typically $1M general liability |
| Police Details | - | Required for closures |
| State Resource | - | Illinois Film Office |
| Exemptions | - | Personal, student, news |
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.
Skokie FAQ
Do I need a permit for a commercial shoot in Skokie?
Yes. Commercial productions using public streets, parks, or Village property require a film permit with insurance. Contact the Village Manager's office to apply.
Does personal photography require a permit?
No. Personal, student, and journalistic photography generally does not require a commercial film permit, though park photography sessions may have rules.
How much notice should I give for a film permit?
Submit at least 2-4 weeks in advance. Complex productions requiring street closures or police details may need longer lead time.
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