Drone Rules in Cook County, IL (2026)

5 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 8 cities in Cook County, Illinois.

Verified from official government sources

Note: These county rules apply to unincorporated areas of Cook County. If you live within an incorporated city, that city's own rules apply — see the city list below.

Recreational Drones

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.

Cook County Recreational Drone Rules

Some Restrictions

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Commercial Drones

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.

Cook County Commercial Drone Rules

Some Restrictions

14 CFR Part 107 Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems

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. If...

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Park Drone Restrictions

The Forest Preserve District of Cook County prohibits unmanned aircraft launch, landing, or operation from FPDCC property without a permit. Most suburban Cook park districts (Chicago Park District, Wilmette, Evanston, Oak Park, Schaumburg) similarly ban recreational drone flight from park lands.

Drones Banned In Forest Preserves And Most Suburban Parks

Heavy Restrictions

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Airport Proximity Rules

Drone flight in controlled airspace surrounding Chicago O'Hare (KORD) and Midway (KMDW) requires FAA Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability (LAANC) clearance through the B4UFLY or DroneZone app. Cook County and municipalities cannot authorize flights the FAA prohibits.

FAA LAANC Authorization Required Near O'Hare And Midway

Heavy Restrictions

FAA UAS Data Exchange (LAANC) Program

What is LAANC? LAANC is the Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability, a collaboration between FAA and Industry. It directly supports UAS integration into the airspace. LAANC provides: Drone pilots with access to controlled airspace at or below 400 feet. Awareness of where pilots can and cannot fly. Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFR) information and updates to the Special Use Airs...

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Event Drone Restrictions

FAA Temporary Flight Restrictions cover Soldier Field, United Center, Wrigley Field, and Guaranteed Rate Field during major league games, plus large outdoor festivals. Venue rules separately prohibit drones on premises. Cook County and municipalities back state and federal restrictions during NFL, MLB, NBA, and NHL events.