Drone Rules in Oakland County, MI (2026)

2 rules for unincorporated Oakland County, Michigan.

Verified from official government sources

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

Recreational Drones

Recreational drone use in Oakland County is governed by federal law (49 USC 44809 and FAA Part 107 where applicable). Michigan state law (MCL 259.305) preempts every Oakland County city, township, and the county itself from enacting any ordinance that regulates the ownership or operation of unmanned aircraft. Hobbyists must register any drone weighing more than 0.55 lb (250 g) with the FAA ($5 for 3 years), pass the free online Recreational UAS Safety Test (TRUST) and carry proof while flying, keep the aircraft within visual line of sight, stay at or below 400 ft AGL in Class G airspace, and obtain LAANC authorization before flying in the controlled airspace around Oakland County International (PTK), Coleman A. Young (DET), or Detroit Metro (DTW).

Recreational Drone Rules in Oakland County (Federal. State Preempts Local)

Some Restrictions

MCL 259.305

Except as expressly authorized by statute, a political subdivision shall not enact or enforce an ordinance or resolution that regulates the ownership or operation of unmanned aircraft.

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Commercial Drones

Commercial drone work in Oakland County, real estate photography in Bloomfield Hills, roof inspections in Troy, construction progress shoots in Auburn Hills, wedding video in Birmingham, requires the pilot to hold an FAA Remote Pilot Certificate under 14 CFR Part 107. Michigan law (MCL 259.305) preempts every Oakland County jurisdiction from imposing additional local commercial-drone rules. The Part 107 pilot must register each aircraft over 250 g ($5 per drone, 3 years), keep the drone within visual line of sight, fly at or below 400 ft AGL or within 400 ft of a structure, stay under 100 mph ground speed, fly only in daylight or civil twilight (or with anti-collision lighting at night), and obtain LAANC authorization for any flight in the Class B, C, D, or surface E airspace covering most of southern Oakland County.

Commercial Drone Rules in Oakland County (FAA Part 107)

Heavy Restrictions

MCL 259.305

Except as expressly authorized by statute, a political subdivision shall not enact or enforce an ordinance or resolution that regulates the ownership or operation of unmanned aircraft.

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

All Oakland County ordinances

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Oakland County Ordinance Hub →