Filming Permits

Filming Permit Required

The City issues film permits for productions that require the use of the public way, including city streets, sidewalks, and other City-owned property. A film permit is required if your project will occupy the public way with equipment or vehicles, or if it will impact pedestrian or vehicular traffic. 

NOTE: News crews, handheld interviews, documentaries, B-roll, and other low-impact productions typically do not require a permit, as long as they do not interfere with vehicular or pedestrian traffic.

Filming conducted exclusively on private property does not require a film permit from the City of Peoria. Any filming on private property—including homes, businesses, or other privately owned locations—must be approved by the property owner, homeowners association (HOA), or property management company. (Additional permits and/or fees may be required even when filming on private property.)

Permit Fees

  • $150.00 - Applications submitted 31 days or more before the first date of filming
  • $250.00 - Applications submitted 30 days or less before the first date of filming
  • Permit Fee Exemption: Student productions and films with a total budget of less than $50,000 are exempt from the permit fee.
  • Reimbursement of City Services- 
    Peoria Police Department$200.00 /hr/per officer
    Public Works$100.00 / Intersection Closure
    Fire Department / EMSHourly Rate / Staff Member

Insurance and Bond Requirements

Certificate of Liability Insurance 

A Certificate of Liability Insurance is required for all film permit applications. The City of Peoria must be listed as an additional insured on the policy.

Minimum coverage amounts must include:

  • $2,000,000 - General Commercial Liability
  • $1,000,000 - Personal Injury
  • $1,000,000 - Property Damage
  • $250,000 / $500,000 - Automobile Liability for Bodily Injury
  • Not less than $100,000 per person - Workers' Compensation (statutory requirement) and Employers' Liability

Bond Required

All applicants for a Filming Permit must provide a license and permit bond guaranteed by a corporate surety in the amount of: $25,000.

Students applying for a film permit should contact our office regarding their insurance and bond requirements.

Application Requirements

  • Completed Film Permit Application. 
  • Copy of required Certificate of Insurance.
  • Copy of required License and Permit bond.
  • Site Plan(s) for filming locations.
  • Security plan for filming locations.
  • Filming schedule by location.
  • Payment of Non-Refundable Application Fee.

Completed Applications and required documentation should be submitted to the Accounts Receivable Office. 

Additional permits or fees may be required in addition to the Film Permit. Examples include:

Film Permit Conditions

Permit Scope

  • Film permits are valid only for the specific locations, dates, and times approved through the application process.

Parking, Streets, and Vehicles

  • Parking signs and meter covers may not be posted by the production company without prior approval from the City of Peoria Police Department.

  • Meter covers may be rented, at the production company’s expense, prior to closing streets or parking lots.

  • Relocation of parked vehicles within permitted zones may only be performed by the Peoria Police Department.

  • Not all streets within the City of Peoria are City-owned. Additional approvals may be required from other local, state, or federal agencies, including but not limited to the Illinois Department of Transportation and railroad authorities.

Filming Hours & Noise

  • Filming in residential areas is permitted between 7:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. in accordance with the City of Peoria’s noise ordinances (Chapter 15, Article III – Noises).

  • Filming outside of these hours requires prior approval from the City of Peoria

Neighborhood Notification

  • A minimum of seventy-two (72) hours’ notice is required for all residents and businesses within a one- to two-block radius of the filming location.

  • Notification flyers must include:

    • Production company name

    • Filming dates and times

    • Parking and/or traffic restrictions

    • Any special effects to be used

    • On-site contact names and phone numbers

Neighborhood Impact & Access

  • Filming crews and participants shall not interfere with normal neighborhood activities.

  • Crews and equipment must not obstruct essential services, including garbage collection and street sweeping.

  • Access to private property may not be blocked without prior permission from the property owner.

Clean-Up & Property Protection

  • Littering at or around filming locations is prohibited.

  • All areas must be cleaned and restored prior to leaving the filming location.

  • Any damage to City property caused by the production will be billed to the production company and must be reimbursed.

City Branding

  • Use of the City of Peoria logo in any format requires prior request and approval from the City Manager’s Office. Questions regarding use of the city logo should be directed to the Strategic Communications Manager Stacy Peterson at 309-494-8560 or Email Stacy Peterson.

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