Recreational Drones: Burbank vs Carson
How do recreational drones rules compare between Burbank, CA and Carson, CA?
Carson has fewer restrictions than Burbank.
Burbank, CA
Los Angeles County
Recreational drone use in Burbank is heavily restricted due to Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR) airspace. FAA Part 107 rules and LAANC authorization required. Much of the city falls within controlled airspace. B4UFLY app should be consulted before flying.
View full Burbank rules →Carson, CA
Los Angeles County
Carson has no municipal recreational drone ordinance — FAA federal rules and California state privacy/emergency-interference statutes control. Recreational fliers must follow 49 U.S.C. §44809 (Exception for Limited Recreational Operations), keep below 400 ft AGL, register drones over 0.55 lb with the FAA, and carry proof of TRUST certification. Civil Code §1708.8 makes intrusive aerial photography of private activity actionable with $5,000–$50,000 fines.
View full Carson rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Burbank | Carson |
|---|---|---|
| Airport | Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR) | - |
| Airspace | Most of city in controlled airspace | Most of Carson under LAX Class B shelf — LAANC required |
| Authorization | LAANC/FAA approval required | - |
| App | B4UFLY for airspace check | - |
| Local ordinance | - | None — Carson Municipal Code has no UAS chapter |
| Federal authority | - | 49 U.S.C. §44809 (recreational); 14 CFR Part 107 (all small UAS) |
| Altitude cap | - | 400 ft AGL (14 CFR §107.51) |
| Registration | - | Required for drones ≥0.55 lb (FAA DroneZone) |
| TRUST | - | Mandatory recreational safety test; carry proof |
| Privacy law | - | Cal. Civ. Code §1708.8 — $5,000–$50,000 fines |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Burbank FAQ
Do I need to register my drone?
Yes, drones over 0.55 lbs must be registered with the FAA. Cost is $5 for 3 years.
Can I fly in Burbank parks?
Many parks restrict or prohibit drones. Check Burbank parks department for specific rules.
Carson FAQ
Can I fly a drone in my Carson backyard?
Yes, if you follow the federal recreational rules (49 U.S.C. §44809): under 400 ft AGL, visual line of sight, away from manned aircraft, and with LAANC authorization if you are in controlled airspace (most of Carson sits under the LAX Class B shelf). Drones ≥0.55 lb must be FAA-registered.
Does Carson require a city drone permit?
No. The Carson Municipal Code (current through January 6, 2026) contains no UAS permit chapter — federal law preempts local registration of recreational drones.
Can I record my neighbor from the air?
No. California Civil Code §1708.8 makes it a 'constructive invasion of privacy' to use an aerial device to record someone engaged in a private activity, with $5,000–$50,000 civil fines plus treble and punitive damages — even if you never trespass on the ground.
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