Recreational Drones: Daly City vs San Mateo
How do recreational drones rules compare between Daly City, CA and San Mateo, CA?
Daly City and San Mateo have similar restriction levels.
Daly City, CA
San Mateo County
Recreational drone flight in unincorporated San Mateo County is governed by FAA rules (49 USC §44809, 14 CFR Part 107 exemption) plus a countywide Park Orders ban: drones are PROHIBITED in all San Mateo County Parks (Huddart, Wunderlich, San Bruno Mountain, Edgewood, Pescadero Creek, Memorial, Sam McDonald, Junipero Serra, Crystal Springs). FAA Part 107 registration required for any drone over 0.55 lbs. SFO, Half Moon Bay Airport, San Carlos Airport, and Hayward Executive are nearby controlled airspaces requiring LAANC authorization.
View full Daly City rules →San Mateo, CA
San Mateo County
Recreational drone flying in San Mateo must comply with FAA regulations. Drones are prohibited in San Mateo County parks. Pilots near San Francisco International Airport (SFO) must check airspace restrictions as SFO's Class B airspace affects parts of San Mateo. LAANC authorization may be needed.
View full San Mateo rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Daly City | San Mateo |
|---|---|---|
| FAA Registration | Required over 0.55 lbs | Required — $5 for 3 years |
| TRUST Test | Required for all rec flyers | - |
| County Parks | Drones prohibited | Drones prohibited |
| Max Altitude | 400 ft AGL | - |
| SFO Area | LAANC required | - |
| Nearby Airport | - | SFO — Class B airspace |
| LAANC | - | May be required for most areas |
| TRUST Certificate | - | Required for recreational pilots |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Daly City FAQ
Can I fly my drone at San Bruno Mountain or Crystal Springs?
No. All San Mateo County Parks prohibit drones under the Parks Department Rules & Regulations. Nearby Golden Gate National Recreation Area (Sweeney Ridge, Milagra Ridge) also prohibits drones. Legal options include open BLM land or private property with owner permission, outside controlled airspace.
Do I need LAANC authorization everywhere in San Mateo County?
Most of the northern County (Daly City south to Redwood City) falls within SFO Class B, requiring LAANC. Coastal areas west of the ridge are mostly uncontrolled (Class G) but check the B4UFLY app before every flight to confirm.
San Mateo FAQ
Can I fly a drone in San Mateo?
Yes, but with restrictions. SFO's Class B airspace affects much of the area and may require LAANC authorization. Drones are prohibited in San Mateo County parks.
Do I need authorization to fly near SFO?
Yes. Much of San Mateo falls within SFO's Class B airspace. Use an FAA-approved LAANC app to check restrictions and request authorization.
Can I fly a drone in Central Park?
No. Drones are generally prohibited in San Mateo County parks. City park policies may impose similar restrictions.
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