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Oakland County, MI Drone Rules: Commercial Drones (2026)

Heavy Restrictions

Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified June 2026

Key Facts

Federal commercial rule: 14 CFR Part 107
Michigan preemption: MCL 259.305
Pilot certificate: FAA Remote Pilot Certificate (recurrent every 24 months)
Min pilot age: 16
Max altitude: 400 ft AGL (or 400 ft above a structure)
Max ground speed: 100 mph
Remote ID: Required since March 2024
Major airspace concerns: PTK Class D, DTW Class B, VLL Class D

Summary

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.

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of Oakland County. Incorporated cities within the county may have their own rules that take precedence over county-level regulations.

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.

View official code

Full Breakdown

Part 107 certification requires the operator to be at least 16, English-proficient, and to pass the FAA aeronautical knowledge exam at an approved testing center. The certificate has no expiration but operating privileges lapse unless the pilot completes a free online recurrent training course every 24 months. Standard Part 107 operations forbid (a) flight over open-air assemblies of people without a Category 1-4 compliance and waiver, (b) flight over moving vehicles without the same, (c) flight beyond visual line of sight without a waiver, and (d) operations from a moving vehicle in a populated area.

The 2021 Operations Over People rule lifted the blanket ban on overhead flight but requires aircraft to meet specific impact-energy limits. Effective in 2023, Remote ID broadcast is mandatory for any registered drone. Oakland County operators must either fly a Standard Remote ID drone or attach a Remote ID broadcast module. 305 preempts local drone regulation, commercial pilots routinely coordinate with municipalities, the Road Commission for Oakland County, and Oakland County International Airport (PTK) operations for shoots near roadways, airfields, or events. Insurance: most commercial clients in Oakland County now require $1M-$2M aviation liability per occurrence; underwriters frequently exclude flights without LAANC clearance or without Part 107 certification.

Violations & Fines

FAA civil penalties up to $27,500 per violation under 49 USC 46301; criminal penalties up to $250,000 and three years for reckless operation under 49 USC 46306. Operating without Part 107 certification when doing commercial work is treated as careless or reckless operation. Failing to maintain Remote ID after the March 2024 enforcement date is a separate violation. Flying over Lions home games at Ford Field is subject to TFRs. Flying within 5 statute miles of PTK, DTW, or DET without LAANC authorization is reportable to the FAA and Tower. Note that Michigan's drone preemption is not a shield against state criminal statutes. MCL 750.539l (criminal voyeurism via drone) and MCL 324.40111c (drone hunting harassment) remain enforceable by Oakland County prosecutors.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a Part 107 certificate to shoot real estate photos in Bloomfield Hills?

Yes. Any flight in furtherance of a business, including real estate marketing, requires a Remote Pilot Certificate under 14 CFR Part 107. The FAA looks at the purpose of the flight, not whether you charged for it.

Can Oakland County require a separate commercial drone permit?

No. MCL 259.305 preempts local UAS regulation. The county and municipalities cannot require their own commercial drone permit or licensing. They can, however, require a film permit or a property-use permit for shoots on county or city property.

Where is LAANC required in Oakland County?

Anywhere within the Class D rings around Pontiac (PTK) and Oakland-Troy (VLL), inside the Detroit Class B shelf that covers most of southern Oakland County below 3,000 ft, and within the Class C ring around Selfridge ANGB if you cross the county line. Use the B4UFLY app or any LAANC service supplier (Aloft, AirMap, Skyward) to file.

What about flying over the Woodward Dream Cruise?

Any time more than 1,000 people gather on a route or at a venue, the FAA may issue a TFR. Operations Over People rules also apply. Plan well in advance, coordinate with event organizers, and check NOTAMs the day of the event.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Oakland County

Parking Rules: Street Parking LimitsSome Restrictions Noise Ordinances: Quiet HoursSome Restrictions Noise Ordinances: Construction HoursSome Restrictions Recreational DronesSome Restrictions Noise Ordinances: Decibel LimitsSome Restrictions Noise Ordinances: Barking DogsSome Restrictions Fence Regulations: Material RestrictionsSome Restrictions

All Oakland County rules

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