Recreational Drones: Chicago vs Evanston
How do recreational drones rules compare between Chicago, IL and Evanston, IL?
Evanston has fewer restrictions than Chicago.
Chicago, IL
Cook County
The Chicago Park District prohibits drones in all city parks. Recreational pilots must register drones over 0.55 lbs with the FAA ($5/3 years), pass TRUST, fly under 400 feet AGL, and maintain line of sight. Chicago Municipal Code 10-36-380 restricts operations near critical infrastructure. Nearly all of Chicago sits under ORD/MDW Class B/C airspace requiring LAANC.
View full Chicago rules →Evanston, IL
Cook County
Recreational drones in Cook County are primarily regulated by FAA rules. Cook County Forest Preserves prohibit drone use without a permit. O'Hare and Midway airports create restricted airspace over much of Cook County.
View full Evanston rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Chicago | Evanston |
|---|---|---|
| - | - | |
| FAA | - | Federal rules apply |
| Forest Preserves | - | Permit required |
| Airports | - | O'Hare/Midway restricted |
| Max Altitude | - | 400 ft (recreational) |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Chicago FAQ
Can I fly a drone in Chicago parks?
No. The Chicago Park District prohibits drones in all parks, including Lincoln Park, Grant Park, Millennium Park, and the Lakefront Trail. Violators face $500 fines.
Where can I fly recreationally in Chicago?
Private property with owner consent, outside the quarter-mile buffer from schools/hospitals/churches, with LAANC for ORD/MDW airspace. AMA fields outside city limits are preferred.
Do I need a permit to fly recreationally?
No FAA permit needed for hobby, but TRUST test certificate is mandatory. The Park District does not issue recreational drone permits—commercial flights require Part 107.
Evanston FAQ
Can I fly a drone in Cook County?
Yes, subject to FAA rules. Much of Cook County has restricted airspace due to O'Hare and Midway airports requiring LAANC authorization. Forest Preserves require a permit.
Can I fly a drone in Cook County Forest Preserves?
Not without a special permit from the Forest Preserve District General Superintendent. Unauthorized drone use in preserves is prohibited.
Compare other topics
See how Chicago and Evanston 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