Recreational Drones: Berkeley vs Sunol
How do recreational drones rules compare between Berkeley, CA and Sunol, CA?
Sunol has fewer restrictions than Berkeley.
Berkeley, CA
Alameda County
Recreational drone pilots in Berkeley must follow FAA rules under 49 USC 44809, register aircraft over 0.55 lb, pass the TRUST test, and avoid Berkeley parks and UC Berkeley airspace.
View full Berkeley rules →Sunol, CA
Alameda County
Recreational drones in Alameda County must comply with FAA 14 CFR Part 107 and 49 USC 44809 rules including Remote ID, registration, and no flights over people or above 400 feet.
View full Sunol rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Berkeley | Sunol |
|---|---|---|
| FAA TRUST | Required for all rec pilots | - |
| Registration | Drones 0.55 lb and up | FAA for drones over 0.55 lbs |
| Altitude | Below 400 ft AGL | 400 feet maximum |
| City parks | No launch without permit | - |
| UC Berkeley | Own drone policy | - |
| Test | - | TRUST required for recreational |
| Parks | - | EBRPD prohibits drone operations |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Berkeley FAQ
Can I fly a drone in a Berkeley park?
Generally no. City parks require a permit for drone operations under BMC 6.28.
Do I need to register my drone?
Yes if it weighs 0.55 lb or more. You also must pass the FAA TRUST test for any recreational flight.
Sunol FAQ
Can I fly my drone in Castro Valley?
Yes on private property with permission, following FAA rules. Much of the area is under Oakland or Hayward airspace, so check LAANC for authorization.
Are drones allowed in East Bay Regional Parks?
No. East Bay Regional Park District prohibits launching, landing, or operating drones within all district parklands.
Compare other topics
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