Permission for film and 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. 

TERM: Concerning productions on private properties, 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. If a production is deemed too disruptive, dangerous or concerning, the City reserves the right to deny an application.

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 at the time of applying (such as your COI or leaflet/flyer), you can upload a Word document or PDF with an explanation so that you can complete your application submission. You will be able to email us those documents after your application is submitted. Please note ,however, all documents are needed no later than 10 business days prior to the first production day. It is advised to apply as early as possible to ensure a smooth process.

Notification Requirements

Applications need to be submitted at least 10 business days before the applied-for start date to be reviewed, unless reserved parking is required by the production, which may increase the time window. Any application with less than 10 business days notice will be rejected.

Every production working in Evanston must fill out our 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 an "Additionally Insured" or "Certificate Holder". 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:

• "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 Evanston Parking Services. 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.

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.  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 (traffic control, supervision), Fire Department (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

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

Useful Information

Beaches/Lakefront Area: Because filming and photo shoots have been deemed too disruptive to our beaches and the lakefront area during the summer season, they are no longer permitted from Memorial Day through Labor Day.

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.

APPLICATION: Film / Movies / Photo Shoot Permit

CONTACT: City of Evanston 311 or by phone at (847) 448-4311

TO RECAP:

Applications need to be submitted at least 10 business days before the applied for start date to be reviewed. Any application with less than 10 business days before the applied for start date will be rejected.