Drone Rules in Chapel Hill, NC (2026)

Recreational Drones

Chapel Hill adopted a Town drone ordinance in October 2017 that incorporates FAA 14 CFR Part 107 as the local standard and authorizes the Chapel Hill Police Department to enforce it. Drone operations from Town-owned property require official written permission from the Town Manager or designee. Recreational flyers must also comply with 49 U.S.C. § 44809 (visual line of sight, ≤ 400 ft AGL, Remote ID, FAA TRUST safety test, registration if over 0.55 lbs). North Carolina layers NCGS 15A-300.1 (consent for surveillance / photography), NCGS 15A-300.3 (correctional / power buffer 500'/250'), and NCGS 14-401.24 (weaponized = Class E felony). NCDOT-issued UAS Commercial Operator Permit and NC UAS Knowledge Test are required for commercial use in NC.