Drone Rules in San Clemente, CA (2026)
2 verified drone rules for San Clemente, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Recreational Drones
San Clemente regulates every drone operator under Municipal Code Chapter 8.82, a citywide safety ordinance that says it does not preempt FAA rules. Operators must keep the drone in visual line of sight, stay 25 feet from bystanders, get the landowner's written consent to fly over private property, and avoid flying within 1,500 feet of another aircraft or after dark.
San Clemente Drone Flight Restrictions
Significant RestrictionsSan Clemente Municipal Code §§ 8.82.010, 8.82.030
The operation of unmanned aircraft ("UA") systems, commonly known as drones, can at times pose significant hazards to full-scale aircraft in flight and to persons and property on the ground. Imposing community-based safety requirements and restrictions on the operation of UAs that does not preempt federal aviation rules or authority, nor state law, is necessary to mitigate such risks and to pro...
Event Drone Restrictions
San Clemente prohibits flying a drone over any city-permitted event open to the public unless the operator carries written or electronic permission from the City. The rule is part of the 2017 unmanned-aircraft ordinance, which also sets a 25-foot buffer around bystanders, bans night flights, and exempts public-agency drones.
San Clemente Drone Flights Over Public Events
Some RestrictionsSan Clemente Municipal Code § 8.82.030(D)
No person shall takeoff, land, or operate a UA over City-permitted events open to the public, unless granted written or electronic permission by the City. UA operators must have on their possession a copy of the written or electronic consent from the City while they takeoff, land, or operate a UA over City-permitted events open to the public.
Looking for Orange County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement San Clemente city rules.
Drone Rules in Orange County →