Chicago Park District Code 7 prohibits launching, landing, or operating model aircraft and drones on Park District land except in a small number of designated zones. Lakefront parks, harbors, beaches, and downtown parks are entirely off-limits.
Chicago Park District Code Chapter VII Section C.13 makes it unlawful to launch, land, or operate any unmanned aircraft system, model aircraft, or rocket on Park District property without a permit. The Department of Permits, Concessions and Special Events issues case-by-case film and event permits with insurance and FAA Part 107 evidence. Designated AMA model-aircraft fields are limited; most lakefront parks, Millennium Park, Grant Park, Lincoln Park Zoo, and harbors are completely closed to drones. The Lakefront Protection Ordinance MCC 16-4 layers further restrictions. Park District police and CPD respond to violations and may issue citations or seize equipment. State Department of Natural Resources rules also apply at state-owned lakeshore.
Flying without a permit in Chicago Park District land triggers Park Code citations of $75-$500, possible drone confiscation, FAA referral, and trespass charges if launched from prohibited beaches or Lakefront harbors.
Chicago, IL
Chicago sits inside Class B controlled airspace centered on O'Hare and Midway. Federal FAA rules preempt local drone regulation, but recreational and commerc...
Chicago, IL
FAA Temporary Flight Restrictions ban drone flight within three nautical miles of Soldier Field, Wrigley Field, United Center, and Guaranteed Rate Field duri...
Chicago, IL
Chicago regulates recreational drones under MCC 10-36-400, imposing restrictions beyond FAA rules. As the only Illinois city with 1 million+ residents, Chica...
See how Chicago's park drone restrictions rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.