The Chicago Park District prohibits drones in all city parks. Recreational pilots must register drones over 0.55 lbs with the FAA ($5/3 years), pass TRUST, fly under 400 feet AGL, and maintain line of sight. Chicago Municipal Code 10-36-380 restricts operations near critical infrastructure. Nearly all of Chicago sits under ORD/MDW Class B/C airspace requiring LAANC.
Chicago has one of the most restrictive recreational drone environments in the US. The Chicago Park District prohibits launching, landing, or operating any drone or model aircraft in any of its 600+ parks—including Lincoln Park, Grant Park, Millennium Park, and the Lakefront Trail. The Chicago Municipal Code Section 10-36-380 prohibits drone operation within a quarter mile of schools, hospitals, places of worship, and over private property without consent. The FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018 preempts state and local control of navigable airspace, but Chicago retains authority over takeoff and landing on city property. Recreational pilots must register drones over 0.55 pounds with the FAA, pay the $5 three-year fee, complete the TRUST test, maintain visual line of sight, stay below 400 feet AGL, and avoid Soldier Field, Wrigley Field, and Guaranteed Rate Field stadium TFRs. ORD and MDW Class B/C airspace blankets most of Chicago.
Chicago Park District violations carry fines up to $500 plus drone confiscation. MCC 10-36-380 violations are punishable by $500-$5,000 fines and possible incarceration up to 180 days. FAA penalties go up to $27,500 civil and federal criminal exposure.
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Cook County.
See how other cities in Cook County handle recreational drones.
See how Chicago's recreational drones rules stack up against other locations.
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