Update Effective 1/01/2025

Permission for video and movie productions, as well as photo shoots, within the City of Evanston is coordinated by the Parking Division and we will do our best to ensure your experience here is positive. While the City of Evanston would like to accommodate requests to film in the City whenever possible (during unrestricted periods), caution is exercised to keep disruption to a minimum. If a production is deemed disruptive, dangerous, or concerning, the City reserves the right to deny an application. If you have any questions before you apply, email us directly at:  filmpermits@cityofevanston.org

TERM: Concerning productions on private properties and residential blocks, they are limited to three (3) per street address and/or per block, per calendar year, and cannot occur within sixty (60) days of each other.

The first step in the process is filling out the online application. There are some required documents that you will need to upload along with the application that will be detailed below. If you do not have all your documents up front at the time of applying (such as your COI or leaflet/flyer), you can upload a Word document or PDF explaining that since it may not allow you to complete it without uploading a document. You will be able to email us those documents after your application is submitted. It is advised to apply as early as possible to ensure a smooth process. Please see below for notification requirements, depending on production type.

Notification Requirements

Every production working in Evanston must fill out our Hold Harmless Liability Waiver. Additionally, they must send us a copy of a liability insurance (also known as, a Certificate of Insurance or "COI" for short). The COI must name the City of Evanston as a "Certificate Holder" (see illustration below). Limits coverage must be for $1,000,000 or greater. After the application has been approved there may be additional requirements that need to be handled by the production company.  Hold Harmless Form (Click Here)

Notifying Neighbors/Neighboring Businesses (Leaflets/Flyers)

It is the producer’s responsibility to properly notify and flyer neighboring residents and/or businesses. Flyers should provide pertinent details and should be listed on company letterhead. Here are the details that need to be included (sample shown below):

• "Filming Notice" to be listed on the heading of the leaflet

• Production Company / Project Title

• Dates / Times

• Locations where "No Parking" signs will be posted (if applicable)

• Traffic Restrictions – List any street closures (if applicable)

• Notification of Special Effects or Weapons on Set (if applicable)

• Production Company and/or Location Manager's Name, Cell Phone Number and Email Address

Notification should be with as much notice as possible prior to your shoot with a minimum 72 hours. Notices should be provided to nearby businesses, residential properties and cars parked in the area. It is the full responsibility of the Production Company to ensure proper notification. 

IMPORTANT: Please submit the Community Relations Leaflet to us for review. Do not distribute the leaflets until your request has been submitted and approved by the City of Evanston. If you have a sample of your flyer you can attach it to this application, if not, please email it to filmpermits@cityofevanston.org Include the name of the Event/Project in the email heading. Below is a general template you can review for guidance. If your production is not connected to the Chicago Film Office at all, you can leave that portion off of the leaflet. For student films and small productions, you can list the Director's contact info if you do not have a designated Location Manager.

Fees (Subject to change without notice)

When a film permit application is approved, you will receive an email with the invoice and a payment link to make your payment via credit card or bank withdrawal.  We do not accept other forms of payment and we do not invoice through third-party platforms such as CASHet or other companies. Your payment can only be made utilizing the payment link we will provide. Please note, other departments may bill separately for certain services or use of city property. Other departments that may be involved include the Police Department (for traffic control and supervision), Fire Department (for supervision), Parks & Recs, and the Water Department. A staff member who will be handling your permit application will facilitate the payment process when that time comes.

The Film Permit

Once all aspects of your shoot have been approved and the payment has been processed, the Parking Services Department will issue a Film Permit letter that will outline the parameters of your shoot. You must keep this letter on hand during production.                                

Moratoriums / Seasonal Restrictions

Memorial Day through Labor Day: No productions of any kind permitted on the beach or along the lakefront area.

Independence Day (4th of July): No productions of any kind permitted on this day anywhere in the city.

Misc. Holidays: Other holidays may prohibit productions but may be on a case to case basis. Please check with us.

Winter Season: Snow emergencies may potentially affect certain or all aspects of production approvals.                                                              

Additional Information

Firearms/Weapons: The use of guns (real or fake) is not allowed without an Evanston police officer on duty. Additionally, if guns are used, you are required to have a firearms expert on hand.

Reserved "No Parking": If signs need to be posted to reserve parking spaces for productions, by Ordinance, they will go up 48 hours before the parking ban, which may extend the lead time needed for an application.

RENEWABLE: No.

TRANSFERABLE: No.

REFUNDABLE: Once the permit invoice is paid it is non-refundable.

APPLICATION: Film / Movies / Photo Shoot Permit