Huntington's Drone Rules: The Rules That Matter
Every city handles drone rules a little differently. In Huntington, New York, 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
Flying a drone for commercial use on Town-owned property in Huntington requires a permit from the Town Attorney's Office, and commercial applicants must additionally carry liability insurance naming the Town and Board of Trustees as additional insureds. Recreational fliers face a lighter application with no insurance mandate.
Key details: Permitting office: Huntington Town Attorney's Office. Application lead time: 5 business days minimum. Commercial insurance minimum: $1M per occurrence / $2M aggregate. Commercial compliance standard: 14 CFR Part 107. Fee waiver categories: Charitable, educational, nonprofit use.
Operating commercially on Town property without the required permit and insurance, or violating permit terms, results in revocation, forfeiture of fees, and denial of future permits under § 189-13(D). A criminal violation of Chapter 189 carries a fine of $250 to $1,000 or up to 15 days imprisonment under § 189-18, with each continuing day a separate offense.
Compared to other cities, Huntington takes a harder line on commercial drones. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.
Park Drone Restrictions
Because Town parks are Town-owned property, Huntington bars launching, landing or piloting a drone in them without a permit from the Town Attorney's Office. Applications are due at least five business days ahead and must state whether the flight is recreational or commercial.
Key details: Where permit applies: Any Town-owned property, including parks. Issuing office: Huntington Town Attorney's Office. Filing deadline: 5 business days before flight. Enforcement agency: Police Dept. or Town officers. Exempted use: Active law enforcement operations.
Flying a drone in a Town park or on other Town property without the § 189-11 permit is enforced by Police or Town officers under § 189-17 and punished under § 189-18 by a fine of $250 to $1,000 or up to 15 days imprisonment, with each day of continued violation a separate offense.
This is one of the stricter rules in Huntington's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.
Recreational Drones
Hobbyist drone pilots in Huntington face a flat 400-foot altitude ceiling, a rule against flying beyond visual line of sight, a 25-foot minimum height over people or moving vehicles, and a ban on launching or landing on private property without the owner's written consent, all under Chapter 189's general prohibitions.
Key details: Altitude ceiling: 400 feet above ground. Minimum height over people/vehicles: 25 feet. Private-property launch rule: Written owner/manager consent required. Operating range limit: Pilot's visual line of sight. Fine range: $250 to $1,000.
Violating any of the § 189-10 general prohibitions, including flying above 400 feet, exceeding visual line of sight, or launching from private land without consent, is punishable under § 189-18 by a fine of $250 to $1,000 or up to 15 days imprisonment, with each continuing day a separate offense.
The Bottom Line
Huntington is tougher than many cities when it comes to drone rules. Out of the 3 rules covered here, 2 are rated strict. If you are a homeowner, renter, or business owner in Huntington, take the time to understand these requirements before they become a problem. Most violations come with fines, and some repeat violations can escalate.
These rules come from Huntington's publicly available municipal code. For complete penalty schedules, exemption details, and answers to common questions, see the individual ordinance pages throughout this guide.