Drone Rules in Gastonia, NC (2026)
3 verified drone rules for Gastonia, North Carolina, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Recreational Drones
Gastonia requires every drone operator in the city, recreational or otherwise, to follow all FAA statutes and regulations, and folds recreational flying into the same unmanned aircraft ordinance that restricts launch sites, event use, and safety-risk equipment. A small unmanned aircraft is defined as one under 55 pounds.
Gastonia Recreational Drone Rules
Some RestrictionsGastonia City Code § 5-27(a), (b)(1)
"Small unmanned aircraft" means an unmanned aircraft weighing less than 55 pounds. "Unmanned aircraft" means an aircraft that is operated without the possibility of direct human intervention from within or on the aircraft. This definition includes devices commonly referred to as drones, remote controlled aircraft, and model aircraft. ... Unmanned aircraft and unmanned aircraft systems operated ...
Park Drone Restrictions
Gastonia bans launching or recovering a drone on any city property without the city manager's prior written approval, with one exception: small unmanned aircraft under 55 pounds may fly at Martha Rivers Park and Linwood Springs Park. Requesting approval elsewhere requires proof of state and federal registration.
Gastonia Drone Launch Ban on City Property
Significant RestrictionsGastonia City Code § 5-27(b)(2), (e)
(2) Launching and recovering unmanned aircrafts on city property is prohibited without prior written approval from the city manager except for small unmanned aircrafts in Martha Rivers Park and Linwood Springs Park. Requests for approval must include proof of required state and federal registrations and/or permits, as appropriate. When considering such requests, the city manager may consider, w...
Event Drone Restrictions
Gastonia's unmanned aircraft ordinance bars flying a drone for racing or acrobatics anywhere in the city unless the flight is at an event the city has permitted. The same section bans operating a drone in a way that interferes with a public safety incident or emergency response scene. Violations are misdemeanors.
Gastonia Drone Racing and Safety-Zone Ban
Some RestrictionsGastonia City Code § 5-27(b)(4), (b)(7), (e)
(4) Operation of unmanned aircraft in the city shall not interfere with a public safety incident or emergency response scene. ... (7) Using an unmanned aircraft for racing or acrobatics is prohibited unless at an event permitted by the city. ... (e) A violation of this section is punishable as a misdemeanor.
Looking for Gaston County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Gastonia city rules.
Drone Rules in Gaston County →