Commercial Drones: Downers Grove vs Naperville
How do commercial drones rules compare between Downers Grove, IL and Naperville, IL?
Naperville has fewer restrictions than Downers Grove.
Downers Grove, IL
DuPage County
Commercial drone operations in Illinois are governed primarily by FAA Part 107, with state law adding criminal and privacy overlays that apply uniformly across all Illinois jurisdictions.
View full Downers Grove rules →Naperville, IL
DuPage County
Commercial drone operation in Naperville is governed by FAA Part 107 regulations. Illinois state law preempts local drone ordinances for cities under 1 million. Operators must hold a Remote Pilot Certificate. The Naperville Park District requires a permit for any drone operation over park property.
View full Naperville rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Downers Grove | Naperville |
|---|---|---|
| Federal rule | 14 CFR Part 107 | - |
| Certification | Remote Pilot Certificate | - |
| State overlay | 725 ILCS 167/ | - |
| Privacy statute | 720 ILCS 5/26-4 | - |
| Local bans | Preempted on airspace | - |
| License Required | - | FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot |
| Local Ordinance | - | Preempted by IL law |
| Airspace | - | LAANC authorization may be needed |
| Parks | - | Permit required from Park District |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Downers Grove FAQ
Do I need a Part 107 license for commercial drone work in Illinois?
Yes. The FAA requires a Remote Pilot Certificate under 14 CFR Part 107 for any commercial drone operation, including paid photography, surveying, or inspection work in Illinois.
Can Illinois municipalities license commercial drone operators?
No. FAA airspace and pilot certification are federally preempted. Local governments may regulate use of city property for takeoff or landing but cannot license airspace operations or override Part 107.
Does Illinois have additional commercial drone privacy rules?
Yes. The Freedom from Drone Surveillance Act and 720 ILCS 5/26-4 prohibit unauthorized recording or surveillance of private property and create civil and criminal liability statewide.
Naperville FAQ
Do I need a Naperville permit for commercial drone operations?
Naperville cannot issue local drone permits due to state preemption. You need an FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate. For drone operations over Naperville Park District property, a separate park district permit is required.
Can I fly a commercial drone near O'Hare Airport from Naperville?
Naperville is within proximity to O'Hare and Aurora airports. You must obtain LAANC airspace authorization or an FAA waiver before flying in controlled airspace. Check airspace maps before each flight.
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