Commercial Drones: Arlington Heights vs Oak Park
How do commercial drones rules compare between Arlington Heights, IL and Oak Park, IL?
Arlington Heights has fewer restrictions than Oak Park.
Arlington Heights, IL
Cook County
Commercial drone operations in Cook County require an FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate. O'Hare and Midway airspace restrictions significantly affect operations. State law (620 ILCS 5) adds Illinois-specific drone provisions.
View full Arlington Heights rules →Oak Park, IL
Cook County
Commercial drone operations in Oak Park require FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot certification and LAANC authorization for the controlled airspace near O'Hare and Midway airports. The village may require additional permits for commercial aerial photography or filming on public property. Insurance is recommended for commercial operators.
View full Oak Park rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Arlington Heights | Oak Park |
|---|---|---|
| License | FAA Part 107 required | - |
| Airspace | LAANC/waiver for controlled | LAANC mandatory near O'Hare/Midway |
| State Law | 620 ILCS 5 | - |
| FAA Fine | Up to $32,666 | - |
| FAA Certification | - | Part 107 required |
| Village Permits | - | May be required for filming |
| FAA Penalty | - | Up to $32,666 per violation |
| Dev Customer Services | - | (708) 358-5440 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Arlington Heights FAQ
Can I operate a drone commercially in Cook County?
Yes, with an FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate. Most of Cook County requires LAANC authorization due to O'Hare and Midway airport airspace.
Do I need additional permits beyond FAA?
Forest Preserve operations need a district permit. Illinois law adds state requirements. Commercial drone businesses must comply with county zoning for their base of operations.
Oak Park FAQ
What do I need for commercial drone work in Oak Park?
FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot certification and LAANC authorization for the controlled airspace. The village may require additional permits for filming or photography on public property. Contact Development Customer Services at (708) 358-5440.
Can I use a drone for real estate photography in Oak Park?
Yes, with proper Part 107 certification and LAANC authorization. Check airspace restrictions carefully as much of Oak Park is in controlled airspace near major Chicago airports.
Do I need insurance for commercial drone work?
While not legally required by the village, commercial liability insurance is strongly recommended. Many clients and property owners require proof of insurance before allowing commercial drone operations.
Compare other topics
See how Arlington Heights and Oak Park compare on other ordinance categories.
Want to add a third city?
Use our full comparison tool to compare up to three cities.
Open Comparison Tool