Chico's Drone Rules: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles drone rules a little differently. In Chico, California, there are 3 distinct rules that residents and property owners should be aware of. Some are stricter than what neighboring cities enforce, and others are more relaxed. Here is what you need to know.

Commercial Drones

Commercial drone work in Chico requires an FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate; the city does not issue separate commercial UAS permits. Operations on city-owned land (Bidwell Park, civic facilities) require advance written permission per CMC Title 12R; CSU Chico has its own UAS authorization process for campus.

Key details: Required certification: FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate. Local commercial permit: None — federal regime. City park use: Written permission required (CMC Title 12R). Chico Municipal Airport: LAANC required for Class E airspace. CSU Chico campus: Separate Chico State Enterprises authorization.

FAA penalties up to $27,500 civil and $250,000 criminal per violation. Trespass/nuisance citations for unauthorized commercial flight over private property. CSU Chico violations may result in campus trespass charges (Cal. Penal Code §626.6).

Recreational Drones

Chico has no standalone municipal drone ordinance for recreational hobbyists; FAA Part 107 and FAA recreational rules (49 USC §44809) govern airspace citywide. Local layer kicks in only at parks (CMC Title 12R, Bidwell Park) and on private property (trespass/nuisance).

Key details: Local ordinance: None for general recreational flight — FAA preempts airspace. Park restriction: CMC Title 12R — Bidwell Park & city parks. FAA TRUST test: Required for all recreational pilots. Registration threshold: Drones >0.55 lb (250g). Max altitude: 400 ft AGL in Class G airspace.

FAA civil penalty up to $27,500 per violation for unregistered or careless operation; criminal penalties up to $250,000 / 3 years for reckless endangerment of manned aircraft. Local trespass / nuisance citations possible for low-altitude flights over private property (Cal. Civ. Code §1708.8 — up to 5x actual damages plus punitives).

Park Drone Restrictions

City of Chico parks — including the 3,670-acre Bidwell Park — restrict drone operations under CMC Title 12R; advance written permission is required. CARD-managed facilities prohibit drones outright except by prior written agreement. Adjacent Bidwell-Sacramento River State Park (CDPR Superintendent Order 645-385) bans all UAS launches and landings.

Key details: City parks regime: CMC Title 12R — advance written permission. CARD parks: Drones prohibited except by prior written agreement. Bidwell-Sacramento River State Park: UAS banned (CDPR Order 645-385). Kites: Allowed in CARD parks (sole aerial exception). Bidwell Park size: 3,670 acres — 3rd-largest municipal park in U.S..

Park rule violations are infractions under CMC Title 12R (typically $100 first offense, escalating). CARD rule violations may result in trespass / exclusion from facility. State park UAS violation under PRC §5008 — fine up to $1,000 plus equipment seizure.

This is one of the stricter rules in Chico's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.

The Bottom Line

Chico's drone rules rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Chico is broadly strict or permissive.

Keep in mind that Chico can amend these rules at any council meeting. For the most current version of any rule mentioned here, check the specific ordinance page, where we track updates as they happen.