Commercial Drones: Burbank vs El Monte
How do commercial drones rules compare between Burbank, CA and El Monte, CA?
El Monte has fewer restrictions than Burbank.
Burbank, CA
Los Angeles County
Commercial drone operations require FAA Part 107 certification and LAANC authorization due to proximity to Hollywood Burbank Airport. Film industry drone use is common but must comply with FAA waivers and city film permit requirements.
View full Burbank rules →El Monte, CA
Los Angeles County
Commercial drone work in El Monte is regulated by FAA Part 107 — no city UAS permit exists — but pilots must clear El Monte Airport's Class D airspace via LAANC and comply with California privacy and emergency-scene statutes.
View full El Monte rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Burbank | El Monte |
|---|---|---|
| Certification | FAA Part 107 required | - |
| Airport | BUR controlled airspace restrictions | - |
| Film Industry | FAA waiver + city film permit | - |
| Authorization | LAANC system | - |
| Part 107 certificate | - | Required by FAA |
| KEMT Class D | - | LAANC authorization required |
| City UAS permit | - | None |
| Business license | - | Required for in-city operator (EMMC §5.04.060) |
| Film permit | - | Required for city property (EMMC Ch. 5.32) |
| Privacy statute | - | Cal. Civ. Code §1708.8 — treble damages |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Burbank FAQ
What license do I need?
An FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate obtained by passing an aeronautical knowledge test.
Can I fly for real estate photos?
Yes, with Part 107 certification. Check Burbank for any additional filming permit requirements.
El Monte FAQ
Do I need an El Monte permit for commercial drone work?
No drone-specific permit exists. Federal Part 107 certification and LAANC authorization for KEMT Class D airspace are required. If the operator is based in El Monte, a general business license under EMMC §5.04.060 is needed; aerial filming on city property additionally requires a film permit under EMMC Ch. 5.32.
Can I fly commercially over El Monte Airport?
Only with LAANC authorization. KEMT (Class D, surface to 2,500 ft MSL) covers a large share of the city. The FAA's LAANC system grants near-real-time approval for authorized altitudes inside the grid.
What happens if a drone captures a neighbor's backyard?
California Civil Code §1708.8 creates a civil cause of action for using a device — including a drone — to record an image of a person engaging in a private activity. Plaintiffs can recover treble damages plus a $5,000–$50,000 civil penalty per violation.
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