Drone Rules in Santa Clara, CA (2026)
3 verified drone rules for Santa Clara, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Recreational Drones
Santa Clara lets hobbyists fly drones but bans flying below 200 feet above ground level over school grounds during school hours, over emergency services and energy facilities, and over private property in a way that harasses someone or invades their privacy. City Code § 8.60.030(b) works alongside, not instead of, FAA airspace rules.
Santa Clara Recreational Drone Flight Limits
Some RestrictionsSanta Clara, CA, City Code § 8.60.030(b)
Except as set forth in Section 8.60.040 below, it shall be unlawful for any person to operate an Unmanned Aircraft or Unmanned Aircraft System below 200 feet above ground level (AGL): (1) Over any public or private school facilities during school hours; (2) Over certain types of critical infrastructure including: (A) Emergency services facilities; (B) Energy sector facilities that include elect...
Park Drone Restrictions
Santa Clara bans drone takeoffs and landings in every city park under Municipal Code § 8.60.030(a)(3), part of the Unmanned Aircraft Systems chapter the City Council adopted in November 2025. The rule applies regardless of any nearby event, and violators can be charged with a misdemeanor and have their equipment confiscated by police.
Santa Clara Drone Ban in City Parks
Significant RestrictionsSanta Clara, CA, City Code § 8.60.030(a)(3)
Except as set forth in Section 8.60.040 below, it shall be unlawful for any person to initiate the takeoff or landing of an Unmanned Aircraft or Unmanned Aircraft System: (1) Within a one-mile radius of, and within two hours before or after, a Major Event occurring within the City of Santa Clara... and (2) Within a two-mile radius, and within three hours before or after, any Major Event held at...
Event Drone Restrictions
Santa Clara's Unmanned Aircraft Systems ordinance bars drone takeoffs and landings within a one-mile radius of any Major Event citywide for two hours before or after it happens, and within two miles of Levi's Stadium for three hours around any stadium event. City Code Chapter 8.60 defines a Major Event broadly and lets the Chief of Police issue an operating permit.
Santa Clara Drone Rules Near Major Events
Significant RestrictionsSanta Clara, CA, City Code § 8.60.030(a)(1)-(2)
Except as set forth in Section 8.60.040 below, it shall be unlawful for any person to initiate the takeoff or landing of an Unmanned Aircraft or Unmanned Aircraft System: (1) Within a one-mile radius of, and within two hours before or after, a Major Event occurring within the City of Santa Clara, including, but not limited to, parades, outdoor concerts, street dances, festivals, art shows, spor...
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 →