Drone Rules in Columbia, SC (2026)
2 verified drone rules for Columbia, South Carolina, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Recreational Drones
Columbia's Sec. 14-107 makes careless drone operation a municipal offense: it is unlawful to fly a drone that violates FAA or state registration rules, injures a person, damages property, is flown while impaired, aids a crime, blocks traffic, interferes with first responders, or passes over a gathering of more than 50 people without the event organizer's permission. Violations go to Columbia Municipal Court.
Columbia Bans Careless Drone Operation
Some RestrictionsCity Code § 14-107
(a)For purposes of this section, the term "drone" shall be defined as an unmanned aircraft system without a human pilot onboard but instead is controlled from an operator on the ground.(b)It shall be unlawful for any person within the city limits to operate a drone in any one or more of the following ways:(1)In violation of any federal or state statute or regulation which applies to drones, inc...
Event Drone Restrictions
Columbia bans flying a drone over any gathering exceeding 50 people without the event organizer's lawful permission, part of a broader careless-operation ordinance that also bars flying while impaired or in ways that injure people or damage property. Violations are misdemeanors handled in municipal court.
Columbia Ban on Drones Over Gatherings
Some RestrictionsColumbia, SC Code of Ordinances § 14-107(b)(6), (c), (d)
It shall be unlawful for any person within the city limits to operate a drone in any one or more of the following ways:...(6)Over any gathering or group of people which exceeds 50 persons without lawful permission by the event organizer and any applicable federal or state agencies which have jurisdiction...A violation of this section is within the jurisdiction of the Columbia Municipal Court an...
Looking for Richland County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Columbia city rules.
Drone Rules in Richland County →