Recreational Drones: Boulder City vs Paradise
How do recreational drones rules compare between Boulder City, NV and Paradise, NV?
Paradise has fewer restrictions than Boulder City.
Boulder City, NV
Clark County
Recreational drone flight in Boulder City must comply with FAA rules under 14 CFR and avoid restricted areas including Lake Mead NRA (federal 36 CFR 1.5 ban) and Boulder City airspace near Boulder City Airport.
View full Boulder City rules →Paradise, NV
Clark County
Recreational drones in Clark County must comply with FAA 14 CFR Part 107 and the FAA recreational exception. Flight over Clark County parks is generally prohibited. Las Vegas airspace and the Strip are heavily restricted. Registration is required for drones over 0.55 pounds.
View full Paradise rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Boulder City | Paradise |
|---|---|---|
| Lake Mead | Federal ban 36 CFR 1.5 | - |
| Altitude | Under 400 ft AGL | - |
| Registration | FAA required over 0.55 lb | Required over 0.55 lb |
| Airport | KBVU Class E airspace | - |
| Federal Rule | - | FAA 14 CFR Part 107 |
| Parks | - | Prohibited in county parks |
| Strip / Airport | - | Heavily restricted airspace |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Boulder City FAQ
Can I fly my drone over Lake Mead?
No. Lake Mead National Recreation Area has a federal ban on drone launching, landing, or operating within park boundaries under 36 CFR 1.5. Violations result in federal citations and potential drone confiscation.
Where can I legally fly a drone in Boulder City?
On private property with owner permission, away from Lake Mead NRA boundaries, Hoover Dam, and Boulder City Airport controlled airspace. Always check B4UFLY or the LAANC app for authorizations before flight.
Paradise FAQ
Can I fly a drone in Las Vegas or Clark County?
Yes, but with significant restrictions. Most of the Las Vegas Valley is in controlled Class B airspace requiring FAA LAANC authorization, the Strip has frequent TFRs, and Clark County parks prohibit drone operation. Open desert areas away from airports are generally permitted.
Do I need to register my drone in Clark County?
Yes if it weighs between 0.55 lb and 55 lb — this is a federal FAA requirement, not a local rule. Recreational flyers also must pass The Recreational UAS Safety Test (TRUST) and carry proof of registration while flying.
Compare other topics
See how Boulder City and Paradise compare on other ordinance categories.
Want to add a third city?
Use our full comparison tool to compare up to three cities.
Open Comparison Tool