Drone Rules in Santa Clara, CA (2026)
2 verified drone rules for Santa Clara, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Recreational Drones
Recreational drone operators in Santa Clara must follow FAA rules, stay under 400 feet, avoid SJC airport airspace, and cannot launch from or fly over city parks without authorization.
Santa Clara Recreational Drone Rules
Heavy RestrictionsFAA Recreational Flyer Rules under USC 44809 / Advisory Circular 91-57D
What are the Rules for Recreational Flyers? The Exception for Limited Recreational Operations of Unmanned Aircraft ( USC 44809 ) is the law that describes how, when, and where you can fly drones for recreational purposes. Following these rules helps keep people, your drone and our airspace safe: Fly only for recreational purposes (personal enjoyment). Follow the safety guidelines of an FAA-reco...
Commercial Drones
Commercial drone operations in Santa Clara require FAA Part 107 certification. Pilots must obtain LAANC airspace authorization around San Jose airport and cannot operate from city parks without a permit.
Santa Clara Commercial Drone Rules
Heavy Restrictions14 CFR 107.51 Operating limitations for small unmanned aircraft
§ 107.51 Operating limitations for small unmanned aircraft. A remote pilot in command and the person manipulating the flight controls of the small unmanned aircraft system must comply with all of the following operating limitations when operating a small unmanned aircraft system: ( a ) The groundspeed of the small unmanned aircraft may not exceed 87 knots (100 miles per hour). ( b ) The altitud...
Looking for Santa Clara County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Santa Clara city rules.
Drone Rules in Santa Clara County →