Drone Rules in Ontario, CA (2026)
4 verified drone rules for Ontario, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Recreational Drones
Recreational drone flyers in Ontario need no city permit, but must keep the drone within visual line of sight, land only in daylight unless FAA night-flight rules are met, stay 25 feet from bystanders, and register with the FAA if the drone weighs over 0.55 pounds.
Ontario Recreational Drone Flying Rules
Some RestrictionsOntario Municipal Code Sec. 7-1.1007(b)
Sec. 7-1.1007. Permit requirements. ... (b) Drones used for recreational purposes are not required to obtain a permit prior to operation within the city. Recreational flyers are still required to meet all FAA regulations including obtaining registration through the FAA if the drone weighs more than point fifty-five (.55) pounds. The registration number shall be affixed to the drone itself.
Commercial Drones
Commercial drone operators in Ontario must hold a City drone operating permit and a business license before flying, on top of complying with FAA Part 107. Operators must file a flight plan report with the City before any commercial mission begins.
Ontario Commercial Drone Permit Required
Significant RestrictionsOntario Municipal Code Sec. 7-1.1006
Sec. 7-1.1006. Commercial operations. (a) In addition to the other requirements of this regulation, commercial drone operators must comply with all applicable FAA, federal, state, and local regulations while operating within the City. (b) A drone operating permit as well as a business license must be obtained from the City before commencing any commercial drone activities within the City.
Airport Proximity Rules
No drone may land or take off within five miles of any airport in Ontario without air traffic control authorization. The rule reaches every airport in the city, not just Ontario International, and layers on top of separate FAA airspace restrictions.
Ontario Drone Airport 5-Mile No-Fly Rule
Significant RestrictionsOntario Municipal Code Sec. 7-1.1004(a)
Sec. 7-1.1004. Protected sites. (a) Airports. No person shall land or takeoff a drone within five (5) miles of any airport, unless authorized by the air traffic control tower.
Event Drone Restrictions
Drones cannot fly over an active parade, motorcade, or City event without the City Manager's written authorization, and a separate 500-foot buffer keeps drones away from any special event in the city unless the City Manager approves it in writing.
Ontario Bars Drones Over Events Without Approval
Significant RestrictionsOntario Municipal Code Sec. 7-1.1003(n), 7-1.1004(l)
(n) No person shall land or takeoff any drone in the area of active parade, motorcade, or City event without the authorization of the City Manager in writing. ... (l) Special events. No person shall land or takeoff a drone within a five hundred (500)-foot horizontal distance of any special event in the City, unless authorized by the City Manager in writing.
Looking for San Bernardino County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Ontario city rules.
Drone Rules in San Bernardino County →