Commercial Drones: Daly City vs South San Francisco
How do commercial drones rules compare between Daly City, CA and South San Francisco, CA?
Daly City has fewer restrictions than South San Francisco.
Daly City, CA
San Mateo County
All commercial drone operation in Daly City is governed by FAA 14 CFR Part 107, which requires the remote pilot to hold a current Remote Pilot Certificate. The City of Daly City does not issue a separate commercial-drone permit and the Municipal Code (Title 5 Business Licenses and Regulations) does not enumerate a UAS-specific license category. Operators conducting business in Daly City must hold a Daly City business license under Municipal Code Title 5, Chapter 5.04, even though the drone operation itself is federally regulated.
View full Daly City rules →South San Francisco, CA
San Mateo County
Commercial drone operations in unincorporated San Mateo County require an FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate (14 CFR Part 107), LAANC authorization for controlled airspace (most of the Peninsula falls within SFO Class B), and coordination with affected airports (SQL, HAF, PAO, SFO). San Mateo County Parks prohibit commercial drone use; filming permits may be obtainable for specific projects via County Film Commission coordination. Commercial filming in the Coastal Zone may require a Coastal Development Permit.
View full South San Francisco rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Daly City | South San Francisco |
|---|---|---|
| Pilot certification | FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate required | - |
| City permit | None drone-specific; business license required under Title 5 | - |
| Airspace authorization | LAANC required (SFO Class B veil) | - |
| Night operations | Permitted under 14 CFR Section 107.29 with anti-collision lighting | - |
| Over-people rule | 14 CFR Section 107.39 / Operations Over People final rule categories | - |
| BVLOS | Waiver required under 14 CFR Section 107.31 | - |
| Certification | - | FAA Part 107 required |
| Recurrent | - | 24-month renewal |
| Airspace | - | SFO Class B dominant |
| Film Permit | - | Required on County property |
| Night/Over-People | - | FAA waiver needed |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Daly City FAQ
Do I need a Daly City permit to do real-estate drone photography here?
Not a drone-specific permit. You need an FAA Part 107 certificate, LAANC airspace authorization (Daly City is under SFO Class B), and if you are operating as a business based in or doing business in Daly City, a city business license under Municipal Code Title 5.
Can I deliver packages by drone?
Yes with the appropriate FAA Part 135 air carrier certificate (or Part 107 waiver) and any required California PUC authorization. Daly City has no separate municipal delivery-by-drone rule.
Can I film in a Daly City park for a commercial shoot?
You need a special-event/film permit from the City of Daly City for use of city property and you must still comply with Part 107 and FAA airspace rules. Contact the Daly City City Clerk or Parks and Recreation for current permit forms.
South San Francisco FAQ
Can I fly commercially in San Mateo County Parks with a permit?
The Parks Department does allow filming with an approved Film Permit that may include drone use, evaluated case-by-case. Commercial recreational operations are generally denied. Apply through the San Mateo County Film Office at least 30 days in advance.
Does the County require separate commercial drone registration?
No. San Mateo County has no separate drone licensing beyond federal Part 107. However, commercial filming, surveying, or real estate photography on County property requires a Film or Right-of-Way Permit from Public Works or Planning & Building.
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