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Drone Rules in San Diego, CA (2026)

1 verified drone rules for San Diego, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.

Verified from official government sources

Recreational Drones

Flying a drone carelessly, violating FAA flight restrictions, or interfering with police, fire, or emergency operations is a citywide misdemeanor under Municipal Code Division 54 - but the ordinance explicitly won't restrict flights that already comply with federal rules.

San Diego Recreational Drone Rules

Some Restrictions

San Diego Municipal Code § 52.5403

It is unlawful for any person to operate a Unmanned Aircraft System in the air, on the ground, or on the water: (a) in a careless or reckless manner so as to endanger the life or property of another... (b) in violation of any flight restriction, temporary or permanent, issued by the Federal Aviation Administration pursuant to 14 C.F.R. 91, as amended... or (d) in a manner that interferes with l...

Looking for San Diego County county-wide rules?

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

Drone Rules in San Diego County