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Drone Rules

Drone Rules in Richmond, VA: What Residents Actually Need to Know

By CityRuleLookup Editorial Team

If you live in Richmond or are thinking about moving there, drone rules are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. Richmond has 2 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of drone rules, and some of them might surprise you.

Commercial Drones

Operating a drone for commercial filming on Richmond public grounds requires an FAA-licensed operator and a $125.00 permit under Richmond City Code § 8-279(c)(10). The fee is part of the Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities' grounds-use schedule and sits alongside a separate daily staff-cost charge for on-site film productions.

Key details: Drone filming permit fee: $125.00. License required: FAA license (commercial/Part 107). Governing section: Richmond City Code § 8-279(c)(10). Administering department: Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities. Base permit fee also owed: $25 nonrefundable under § 8-281.

The Code does not state a specific fine for flying a commercial drone on City grounds without the § 8-279(c)(10) permit. As with other unpermitted uses of department property, a violation with no stated penalty class defaults under Richmond City Code § 1-16 to a Class 1 misdemeanor: a fine of up to $2,500.00, up to 12 months in jail, or both.

Recreational Drones

Recreational drone operation in Richmond governed by FAA Part 107 and VA Code 15.2-926.3 which preempts most local drone regulation. TRUST certification and drone registration required for craft over 0.55 lbs. Local Richmond parks prohibit takeoff and landing.

Key details: State Law: VA Code 15.2-926.3 preemption. FAA: Part 107 / TRUST. City Parks: Prohibited takeoff/landing. Airspace: LAANC required downtown. Registration: Over 0.55 lbs.

Park violation: $100-$250 and confiscation risk. FAA violations: federal civil penalties up to $27,500 per violation.

The Bottom Line

Richmond'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 Richmond is broadly strict or permissive.

These rules come from Richmond's publicly available municipal code. For complete penalty schedules, exemption details, and answers to common questions, see the individual ordinance pages throughout this guide.