Skip to main content
CityRuleLookup

Drone Rules in Pasadena, CA (2026)

2 verified drone rules for Pasadena, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.

Verified from official government sources

Recreational Drones

Pasadena's drone ordinance, Chapter 9.45 of the Municipal Code, bars flying a drone recklessly over public streets and sidewalks and bans drone takeoff, operation, or landing over Glenarm Power Plant, police and fire stations, city hall, the city yards, water and electric facilities, transit operations sites, and light rail lines. Violators face a misdemeanor charge.

Pasadena Recreational Drone Flight Restrictions

Some Restrictions

Pasadena, CA, Municipal Code § 9.45.030(A), (C)

Unless otherwise permitted under this chapter, persons are prohibited from taking off, operating, or landing a drone in any airspace or area within or over the following areas of the city: A.Flights over public streets and sidewalks, where a drone is operated in a careless or reckless manner so as to endanger the life or property of another, as these terms may be used by applicable Federal Avia...

Event Drone Restrictions

Pasadena's drone ordinance bars flying, launching, or landing a drone over any special event or active filming permit location while the event or permit is underway, unless the property owner, the event or permit applicant, and the police department's air operations section have all given written approval to the city's special events office.

Pasadena Drone Ban Over Special Events

Significant Restrictions

Pasadena, CA, Municipal Code § 9.45.030(B)

Unless otherwise permitted under this chapter, persons are prohibited from taking off, operating, or landing a drone in any airspace or area within or over the following areas of the city: ... B.Special event or filming permit locations (during the time period of the special event or filming permit), unless the property owner, event/permit applicant, and police department air operations section...

Looking for Los Angeles County county-wide rules?

County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Pasadena city rules.

Drone Rules in Los Angeles County