North Chicago, IL Drone Rules: Commercial Drones (2026)

Commercial drone operations in Lake County are regulated under 14 CFR Part 107 requiring a Remote Pilot Certificate, passage of an aeronautical knowledge test, and recurrent testing every 24 months. Common commercial uses include real estate photography (major North Shore market), construction and rooftop inspection, infrastructure surveys for ComEd and Lake County DOT, agricultural monitoring in northern Lake County, and wedding/event videography at venues like Knollwood Club and Medinah Country Club approaches. Controlled airspace in Lake County is extensive: O'Hare Class B (southern portions), Waukegan National KUGN Class D, Chicago Executive KPWK affected zones, and Great Lakes Naval Air Station restricted airspace. LAANC authorization is required before any controlled airspace flight. Night operations, operations over people, and beyond-visual-line-of-sight require specific FAA waivers. Several Lake County municipalities require separate commercial filming permits: Highland Park, Lake Forest, Waukegan, Gurnee. The Illinois Freedom from Drone Surveillance Act (725 ILCS 167) limits law enforcement use. Private investigative work with drones may trigger the Illinois Private Detective Act (225 ILCS 447) licensing. Commercial operators should carry minimum $1 million liability insurance; major venues (Six Flags, Ravinia, Abbott Park) require COI before any filming.