Commercial still photography on Forest Preserve property requires the same FPDCC permit as motion-picture filming. Editorial news photography and personal family or wedding shots are generally exempt unless they involve large crews, props, or amplified sound under FPDCC Ordinance Article VI.
FPDCC distinguishes commercial still photography from editorial and personal photography. Commercial shoots – advertising, fashion, e-commerce product, paid portrait, or paid wedding crews – require the standard FPDCC filming permit, insurance certificate, and daily fee. Editorial news photography for newspapers, magazines, or news websites is generally permitted without a fee provided crews stay small and do not block public access. Personal family photography and amateur wedding photos are exempt unless props, lighting rigs, or amplified sound are used. Suburban municipalities and Chicago DCASE apply similar tiers. The Illinois Constitution does not exempt commercial photographers from FPDCC fees; the FPDCC Article VI ordinance is content-neutral and time-place-manner regulated.
Conducting a paid commercial still shoot on FPDCC property without a permit can result in ejection, an Article VI citation with fines up to $750, and inability to obtain future permits. Editorial photographers must still obey general preserve rules.
See how Arlington Heights's still photography permits rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.