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Des Plaines, IL Drone Rules: Commercial Drones (2026)

Heavy Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified April 2026

Key Facts

FAA Certification
Part 107 required
LAANC
Required - O'Hare Class B
Many areas
0 ft AGL ceiling - waiver needed
City Permit
May be required for filming
Insurance
Required for city permits

Summary

Commercial drone operators in Des Plaines must hold an FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate and obtain LAANC authorization for nearly every flight due to O'Hare Class B airspace. Operations on city property or involving filming may also require a Des Plaines film/special-event permit.

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 you have a small drone that is less than 55 pounds, you can fly for work or business by following the Part 107 guidelines. To fly under Part 107 rules, there are 3 main steps. Step 1: Learn the Rules [...] Some operations will require a waiver. Here are the regulations specified in §107.205 that are subject to waiver: Operation from a moving vehicle or aircraft - §107.25 Operation at Night - §107.29(a)(2) and (b) Visual line of sight aircraft operation - §107.31 Visual observer - §107.33 Operation of multiple small unmanned aircraft systems - §107.35 Yielding the right of way - §107.37(a) Operation over human beings - §107.39 Operation in certain airspace - §107.41 Operating limitations for small unmanned aircraft - §107.51 Operations Over Moving Vehicles - §107.145 [...] Step 2: Become an FAA-Certified Drone Pilot by Passing the Unmanned Aircraft General - Small (UAG) Knowledge Test To be eligible to get your Remote Pilot Certificate, you must be: At least 16 years old [...] Step 3: Register your Drone with the FAA Registration costs $5 and is valid for 3 years.

Source: FAA Part 107 Small UAS RulesView official code

Full Breakdown

FAA Part 107 governs all commercial drone operations in Des Plaines. Operators need a Remote Pilot Certificate, current drone registration, and LAANC airspace authorization for the Class B airspace surrounding O'Hare International Airport. Many UAS Facility Map grids over Des Plaines have a 0 ft AGL ceiling, requiring a Part 107 airspace waiver from the FAA Air Traffic Organization rather than instant LAANC. The City of Des Plaines may require a film or special event permit when operations involve city property, public rights-of-way, or street closures, processed through the City Manager's office. Operators around Rivers Casino, the Des Plaines River corridor, and rail corridors must coordinate with property owners and Metra/Union Pacific. Liability insurance is typically required for any city permit.

Violations & Fines

FAA fines up to $27,500 per violation for Part 107 infractions and up to $75,000 for endangering aircraft near O'Hare. City permit violations $250-$750 per occurrence.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I do real estate drone photography in Des Plaines?
Yes, with a Part 107 certificate and LAANC authorization, but expect many properties to fall in 0 ft grids requiring an FAA airspace waiver that can take 60-90 days.
Do I need a city permit?
Operations on private property generally do not require a city permit, but filming on public streets, in parks, or for advertising production typically requires a Des Plaines film/special-event permit.
Can I fly near Rivers Casino?
It is in restricted airspace adjacent to O'Hare and on private property. You need the casino's written permission plus FAA airspace authorization.

Sources & Official References

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