Commercial Drones: Chino vs San Bernardino
How do commercial drones rules compare between Chino, CA and San Bernardino, CA?
Chino has fewer restrictions than San Bernardino.
Chino, CA
San Bernardino County
Chino has no local UAS ordinance, so commercial drone work — real estate photography, construction surveys, agricultural / dairy-preserve inspections, wedding videography — is governed entirely by FAA 14 C.F.R. Part 107. The pilot must hold a Remote Pilot Certificate under §107.61, the aircraft must be registered under §107.13, and operations are capped at 400 ft AGL (§107.51), within visual line of sight (§107.31), and during civil twilight or with proper anti-collision lighting. Operating in Chino Airport (CNO) Class D or Ontario (ONT) Class C airspace requires LAANC authorization. Cal. Civil Code §1708.8 separately governs privacy.
View full Chino rules →San Bernardino, CA
San Bernardino County
Commercial drone pilots in San Bernardino need an FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate, registered aircraft, liability insurance, and LAANC authorization for airspace near San Bernardino International Airport.
View full San Bernardino rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Chino | San Bernardino |
|---|---|---|
| Local ordinance | None — Chino Municipal Code has no UAS-specific provisions | - |
| Federal rule | 14 C.F.R. Part 107 (small UAS commercial) | - |
| Pilot credential | Remote Pilot Certificate under 14 C.F.R. §107.61 (initial knowledge test at FAA-approved center) | - |
| Registration | Required for ALL commercial drones under 14 C.F.R. §107.13 (no weight exemption) | All commercial drones must be registered |
| Airspace authorization | LAANC required across most of Chino (CNO Class D, ONT Class C shelves) | - |
| Operational limits | ≤ 400 ft AGL, ≤ 100 mph, VLOS, daylight/civil twilight with anti-collision lights | - |
| Business license | Chino Municipal Code Title 5 — required if principal place of business is in Chino | - |
| Certification | - | FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate required |
| Remote ID | - | Required for all compliant operations |
| Airport rule | - | LAANC authorization near SB International and Ontario |
| Insurance | - | 1 to 5 million dollars liability typical |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Chino FAQ
Do I need a Part 107 certificate for paid drone work in Chino?
Yes. Any non-recreational flight requires a Remote Pilot Certificate under 14 C.F.R. §107.61 — including real estate photography, construction progress shots, dairy-preserve agricultural surveys, and wedding videography. The recreational exception under 49 U.S.C. §44809 does not apply to any work performed for compensation.
Can I fly a Part 107 mission near Chino Airport?
Only with LAANC airspace authorization. Chino Airport (CNO) is Class D and most of the city lies under the CNO Class D ceiling or surrounding Class E surface area, plus Ontario International (ONT) Class C shelves to the north. Submit a LAANC request through an FAA-approved UAS Service Supplier before each flight.
Does Chino require a separate drone business license?
No drone-specific license, but if the operator's principal place of business is in Chino, a general business license under Chino Municipal Code Title 5 (Business Licenses and Regulations) is required.
San Bernardino FAQ
Do I need a city permit to fly a drone commercially in San Bernardino?
Filming on or from city property typically requires a San Bernardino Film Permit through the City Clerk. Private property work requires owner permission but no city permit, though insurance and Part 107 compliance still apply.
Can I fly a delivery drone over San Bernardino streets?
Only under an FAA-approved Part 135 operation or a Part 107 waiver for operations over people and moving vehicles. Local traffic and right-of-way rules also apply.
What if I only fly for my own small business, do I still need Part 107?
Yes. Any operation that furthers a business purpose, even for your own use, is commercial under Part 107. The pilot must hold a Remote Pilot Certificate.
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