Drone Rules in Phoenix, AZ (2026)
5 verified drone rules for Phoenix, Arizona, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Recreational Drones
Phoenix permits recreational drones under FAA rules but bans flight over the Phoenix Mountains Preserve, Camelback Mountain, and South Mountain Park. Pilots must register drones over 0.55 lbs ($5/3 years), pass TRUST, fly under 400 feet AGL, and keep line of sight. Phoenix City Code 24-46 restricts UAS in parks without a permit.
Phoenix Recreational Drone Rules
Some RestrictionsCommercial Drones
Commercial drone operations in Phoenix require an FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate. Arizona state law preempts local regulation of drone operations (ARS §13-3729). Operators must obtain LAANC clearance near Sky Harbor's Class B airspace. Flying within 500 feet of critical facilities is a class 6 felony under Arizona law.
Phoenix Commercial Drone Permit Rules
Some RestrictionsPark Drone Restrictions
Phoenix Parks and Recreation Department prohibits drone operation in city parks under Phoenix City Code §24-43 and adopted park rules, except in two designated areas: the Adobe Mountain Desert Park RC flying field and the Deer Valley Park RC field. South Mountain Park, Camelback, and Papago all prohibit drones. KPHX Class B airspace covers most of central Phoenix.
Phoenix Park Drone Restrictions
Some RestrictionsAirport Proximity Rules
Drones near Phoenix Sky Harbor and Phoenix-Mesa Gateway airports must obtain FAA LAANC authorization through the B4UFLY app or approved providers before flying in controlled airspace. Many areas around runways have zero-altitude grids prohibiting flight.
Sky Harbor and Mesa Gateway Require LAANC Authorization
Heavy RestrictionsEvent Drone Restrictions
FAA Temporary Flight Restrictions and stadium standing TFRs prohibit drones over State Farm Stadium, Footprint Center, Chase Field, and major events like the Super Bowl, WM Phoenix Open, and Final Four within strict radius and altitude limits.
TFRs Restrict Drones Over Stadiums and Major Events
Heavy RestrictionsLooking for Maricopa County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Phoenix city rules.
Drone Rules in Maricopa County →