Drone Rules in Des Plaines, IL (2026)
2 verified drone rules for Des Plaines, Illinois, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Recreational Drones
Des Plaines defers drone airspace regulation to the FAA, but the city sits directly under O'Hare's Class B airspace, so virtually all flights require LAANC authorization. Drone use in Des Plaines parks is prohibited without Park District permission.
Recreational Drone Rules in Des Plaines
Heavy RestrictionsCommercial Drones
Commercial drone operators in Des Plaines must hold an FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate and obtain LAANC authorization for nearly every flight due to O'Hare Class B airspace. Operations on city property or involving filming may also require a Des Plaines film/special-event permit.
Commercial Drone Operations in Des Plaines
Heavy RestrictionsFAA Part 107 Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems – Certificated Remote Pilots and Commercial Operators
Certificated Remote Pilots including Commercial Operators [...] The Operations Over People rule became effective on April 21, 2021. Drone pilots operating under Part 107 may fly at night, over people and moving vehicles without a waiver as long as they meet the requirements defined in the rule. Airspace authorizations are still required for night operations in controlled airspace under 400 feet...
Looking for Cook County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Des Plaines city rules.
Drone Rules in Cook County →