Film/Video & Photo Shoot Permit Application

Certificate of Insurance (COI) & Hold Harmless

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

Notifying Neighbors & Businesses with Leaflets (Flyers)

It's the filmmaker's or location manager's responsibility to properly notify neighboring residents and/or businesses with a community notification flyer. These flyers should provide pertinent details with the following information: Production Company/Project Title, Dates/Times, Locations where no parking signs will be posted, Traffic Restrictions such as a list of street closures or intermittent traffic control (ITC), Notification of Special Effects or Weapons on Set (if any), Production Company Contact Name, as well as, Cell Phone Number and Email Address. A layout example can be reviewed on the application form itself.

Notification should be with as much notice as possible prior to your shoot with a minimum of 72 hours. Once the production is completed, the flyers will need to be removed as well. Please submit the leaflet to us for review before posting/distributing them as they must first be approved by the City. If you're unable to upload it here, please email it to filmpermits@cityofevanston.org and include the name of the project in the email.

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 payments, such as CASHet or other companies. Please note, other departments may invoice you 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. Please note, once the permit invoice is paid it is non-refundable.

The 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 that will outline the parameters of your shoot. You must keep this permit on hand during production. Film permits are not renewable or transferrable. Once the permit invoice is paid it is non-refundable.

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 are permitted on this day anywhere in the city.
• Misc. Holidays: Other holidays may prohibit productions but may be on a case to case basis.
• Winter Season: Snow parking bans may potentially affect certain or all aspects of production approvals (even after approved).

Additional Information

• Firearms/Weapons: The use of guns (real or prop) is not allowed without an Evanston police officer on location. Additionally, if functioning guns (real or prop) and/or ammunition blanks are used, you are required to have a firearms expert on location.
• Reserved Parking: If signs need to be posted to reserve parking spaces or keep streets clear of vehicles for productions, by Ordinance, they will go up 48 hours before the parking ban, which may extend the lead time needed for an application.
• Refunds: Once the permit invoice is paid it is non-refundable and non-transferable.

Application Link: CLICK HERE!

Photo Shoot Permit Information

The photo shoot permits are coordinated by our Parking Services Division as well. While we’d like to accommodate permit requests whenever possible, during unrestricted periods, caution is exercised to keep disruption to a minimum. Productions on private properties and residential blocks are limited to 3 per street address or per block, per calendar year, and cannot occur within 60 days of each other. The City reserves the right to deny an application that doesn't meet the guidelines or that may be deemed disruptive or concerning. 

First Step

Start by completing the photo shoot application and uploading the required documents. If you have any questions before you apply, the best way to reach us is by email at filmpermits@cityofevanston.org  

Notification Requirements

The notification required for most photo shoots is 15 calendar days. Applications submitted without all the required documents will be considered incomplete, and the submission date will not be recognized until all materials are received. Submitting the application alone does not meet the deadline. Failure to comply may result in permit denial or delays. A complete application must include the Certificate of Insurance (COI), a signed Hold Harmless Agreement, and a notification flyer (depending on the shoot details). 

Photo Shoot Permit Fees

The photo shoot permit fee is $100 and the application fee is $50 for a total of $150. If reserved parking or traffic control is needed, among other details, additional fees may apply. Other city departments may invoice separately for use of their location.