Location Permits: Des Plaines vs Evanston
How do location permits rules compare between Des Plaines, IL and Evanston, IL?
Des Plaines and Evanston have similar restriction levels.
Des Plaines, IL
Cook County
Commercial film, TV, and photo productions in Des Plaines using public property, requiring street closures, or involving multiple personnel and equipment require a film/special-event permit from the City Manager's office. Insurance and fees apply.
View full Des Plaines rules →Evanston, 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 Evanston rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Des Plaines | Evanston |
|---|---|---|
| Permit Office | City Manager | - |
| Insurance | $1M minimum typical | - |
| Lead Time | 2-4 weeks recommended | - |
| City Services | Billed at cost | - |
| Drones | FAA Part 107 + LAANC | - |
| 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 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Des Plaines FAQ
Do I need a permit to shoot on a Des Plaines street?
Yes. Commercial filming on public property or that requires street closures, traffic control, or city services requires a film/special-event permit.
Do I need a permit for a small private-property shoot?
Generally no, if the production is small, contained on private property, and does not impact the right-of-way. Confirm with the City Manager's office.
Are there Illinois tax incentives for filming?
Yes. The Illinois Film Office administers a 30% tax credit for qualifying productions. Apply through the state office before principal photography.
Evanston 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.
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