2024 Harbor Closing Notice Read more »

Media Permit Application

Applicant Information

Name
MM slash DD slash YYYY
Preferred Contact Method
Select all that applies to you (the applicant) and your filming below

Filming/Photography Shoot Information

Date(s) of shoot and location(s) listed in preference order



If series please choose from the options below

Proposed Activities

Vehicles & Driving: Picture vehicles
Vehicles & Driving: Driving route (actor driven/camera car/process trailer):
Stunt Work: Fight/fall/wire work/ratchet pull/ weapons play
Stunt Work: Precision driving (chase/swerving/near misses/etc.)
Stunt Work: Visible prop weapons - any cast and/or performers (principle/background) dressed as police or army:
Special Effects: Exterior artificial smoke and/or fog
Special Effects: Squibs/stimulated gun fires
Special Effects: Rain towers/street wetdowns
Special Effects: Artificial snow
Additional Details: Helicopter use
Additional Details: Construction on property
Additional Details: Ground disturbances (digging/etc.)

Drones

Drones must be operated by a licensed and certified FAA pilot according to the FAA Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Regulations (Part 107) for drone operation rules and requirements. (See Appendix C for more information.) Drone Liability Insurance is required.
Will your shoot include the use of drones?

Amplified Sound

Amplified sounds must be directed away from residences and must comply with Sections 8-32-010 through 8-32-170 of the Chicago Municipal Code. The proposed location of the sound system, direction of sound and location of all speakers must be identified on your Site Map. PLEASE NOTE: AMPLIFIED SOUND IS NOT ALLOWED IN ALL PARKS. Provide an overview of the purpose and plans for amplified sound, a description of the sound system, and a description of how you will minimize the impact of any generators used for the amplified sound system.
Are you requesting permission to have amplified sound?

Noise Level

Noise levels are not guaranteed. However, the Park District requests this information with the intent to avoid disruptions of other large events taking place.
Will your shoot require a location that is uninterrupted by sound/other events?

Generators

Use of generators may require additional permitting according to Chapter 4-355 of the Chicago Municipal Code. PLEASE NOTE: GENERATORS THAT MINIMIZE THE IMPACT TO THE ENVIRONMENT ARE PREFFERED (I.E. GENERATORS THAT RUN ON BIODIESEL OR OTHER RENEWABLE OR LOW EMISSION FUELS).
Will your shoot include the use of generators?
Will the generators need to be grounded or bonded?

Facility Requests

Additional permit and approvals from other government agencies, insurance, and other documents may be required as determined by the Park District. Proof of compliance with the Illinois Pyrotechnic Operator Licensing Act must be attached to this application. (See Appendix C for more information.)
Will your shoot include any special facility requests?
Please select the type of request

Fireworks and Pyrotechnics

Requests will be fulfilled at the discretion of Westrec SMI Manager of the Park District Harbors. Requests must be submitted at least 7 days prior to the shoot date.
Will your shoot include any pyrotechnic devices?

Portable Toilets

All portable toilets must be installed and removed from Westrec SMI Manager of the Park District Harbors property during the permit times or at a time specified by Westrec SMI Manager of the Park District Harbors. All portable toilets must be located on a hard surface, which may include asphalt, concrete, or plywood. All portable toilets must be clearly identified on the Site Map and the location must be approved by the Westrec SMI Manager of the Park District Harbors prior to delivery. (See Addendum F for Accessibility Guidelines.)
Will your shoot include the use of portable toilets?

Fencing and Barricades

There are several locations that require locates/ designation of underground infrastructure to identify irrigation, plumbing or electrical lines in order to prevent injury or damage to the property. (See Addendum B for more information).
Will your shoot include the use of fencing?
Will your shoot include the use of barricades?

Maintenance

Organizers are responsible for cleaning and maintaining the site throughout the duration of the permit. The Chicago Park District does not guarantee the availability of cans / liners at the site. Please plan accordingly. Permittee is responsible for all costs incurred by Westrec SMI Manager of the Park District Harbors arising from emergency repairs / maintenance due to the Permittee’s activities in order to return the site to a clean, slightly, and safe condition.
Written description prepared by the event organizer, of Westrec SMI Manager of the Park District Harbors maintenance staff or a professional trash hauler will remove refuse/recyclables before, during and after the event from Westrec SMI Manager of the Park District Harbors property in a safe and legal manner. The plan should also detail materials that will be recycled or composted and plan to provide sufficient collection infrastructure

Tents and Canopies

Tents and/or canopies over 400 square feet are only allowed on Westrec SMI Manager of the Park District Harbors property with a permit from the City of Chicago Department of Buildings (DOB). When you apply for a tent and/or canopy permit with the DOB, you will be required to submit a letter from Westrec SMI Manager of the Park District Harbors verifying the quantity and dimensions of tents and/or canopies larger than 400 square feet. Please plan accordingly by submitting all appropriate paperwork (including the letter of support from Westrec SMI Manager of the Park District Harbors) to DOB at least 60 days prior to your permit date. (See Addendum B for more information.) The event organizer is responsible for any damage caused to park property/facility and must consult staff prior to installation. (See Appendix C for more information.) A copy of all permits issued by DOB must be submitted before the submission deadline; otherwise, late fees may apply.
Will your shoot include the use of tents and/or canopies over 400 square feet?
Will your shoot include the use of tents and/or canopies under 400 square feet?
Please indicate the quantity of each:

Stages and Platforms

Will your event include the use of stages and/or platforms over 2 feet tall and covering more than 400 square feet and/or with any roofing/wings?
Will your event include the use of stages and/or platforms under 2 feet tall and/or with any roofing/wings?
Please indicate the dimensions of each:

Other Structures

Must be approved by Westrec SMI Manager of the Park District Harbors and may require a separate building permit from the city of Chicago Department of Buildings (DOB). If a building permit is required, a letter from the Park District verifying the number and dimensions will be needed before THE DOB will issue a permit. A copy of all permits issued by THE DOB must be submitted to Westrec SMI Manager of the Park District Harbors prior to your event. Please plan accordingly by submitting all appropriate paperwork to DOB at least 60 days prior to your event day.
Will your shoot include the use of other structures (e.g. climbing walls, rides, etc.) ?

Staking

There are several locations that require locates/designation of underground infrastructure to identify irrigation, plumbing or electrical lines in order to prevent injury or damage to the property. Damage repair costs and permit violation fines are the responsibility of the applicant. Additionally, the applicant is responsible for Staff/Contracted Vendor costs to conduct locates and irrigation inspections. Staking of tents in these locations may be restricted or denied.
Will any of the shoot features or structures be staked in the ground?

Security Services

Depending on the size and activities of your proposed shoot, the Park District may require the presence of security personnel. Additionally, the City of Chicago may require security services or make revisions to your security plans. Furthermore, you are You are responsible for any costs incurred by the Westrec SMI Manager of the Park District Harbors. Please note: all security plans must be approved by Director of Security or his/her designee. Additional information may be requested upon review of any and all security plans.
Have you made provisions for on-site security services?

Site Map

Attach a site map or create a site map below that indicates the location of the following: all sources of amplified sound and direction of sound; tents and canopies with sizes; stages, promotional vehicles, inflatables, portable toilets, dumpsters, fences & barricades, generators, and other structures; proposed driving paths for all equipment and supply vehicles; location of vehicles you wish to retain on property during the shoot; and proposed street closures. All Site Maps are subject to the approval of Westrec SMI Manager of the Park District Harbors.
Drop files here or
Accepted file types: jpg, gif, pdf, Max. file size: 256 MB.

    Signature

    By signing this Media Permit reservation application, I acknowledge that I have read and agree to abide by Chicago Park District Codes permit rules and regulations, including the cancellation policy. I also agree that I am solely responsible for the actions and conduct of my guests, invitees, participants, spectators, contractors and for assuring compliance with all applicable rules and regulations pertaining to my permit. I understand and agree that my security deposit shall be forfeited for any violation of this agreement. I hereby assume all responsibility for and agree to indemnify, save and hold harmless, and at the Chicago Park District’s and Westrec SMI option, defend the Park District and Westrec SMI, its Commissioners, officers, employees, volunteers, contractors and agents (collectively, the “Indemnitees”) against any losses, claims, damages, liabilities, actions, suits, proceedings, costs or expenses that the Indemnitees may suffer, incur or sustain or for which it or they may become liable resulting from, arising out of or relating to any negligence or intentional misconduct by myself as applicant, and any guests, invitees, participants, spectators, including any officers, employees, contractors, agents or persons under a sponsoring organization’s control in connection with this permit. My obligation to indemnify the Park District and Westrec SMI Indemnitees shall survive the expiration or termination of this permit. I do solemnly swear that all answers given and statements made on this application are full and true to the best of my knowledge. I am 18 years of age or older and I have read the terms and conditions set forth in this document and the Chicago Park District Code and Chicago Harbors Code agree to abide by them.
    MM slash DD slash YYYY