Recreational Drones: Daly City vs South San Francisco
How do recreational drones rules compare between Daly City, CA and South San Francisco, CA?
Daly City and South San Francisco have similar restriction levels.
Daly City, CA
San Mateo County
Daly City has no standalone municipal drone ordinance. Recreational drone (UAS) operation is governed by FAA 14 CFR Part 107 / Section 44809 (Recreational Flyer rule), with California Penal Code Section 402(b) (interference with emergency personnel) and Civil Code Section 1708.8 (physical and constructive invasion of privacy by aerial means) applying statewide. The Daly City Municipal Code (Title 4 Public Safety, Title 8 Public Peace, Morals and Welfare) does not enumerate a drone-specific section in the Municode TOC for code_of_ordinances; operators are bound by federal airspace rules and state privacy/safety statutes.
View full Daly City rules →South San Francisco, 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 South San Francisco rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Daly City | South San Francisco |
|---|---|---|
| Local ordinance | None specific to recreational drones; federal/state preemption | - |
| Federal rule | 14 CFR Part 107 / 49 U.S.C. Section 44809 (Recreational Flyer) | - |
| Max altitude | 400 ft AGL | - |
| Airspace constraint | SFO Class B veil overlies Daly City - LAANC required | - |
| Registration threshold | More than 0.55 lb / 250 g | - |
| CA privacy statute | Civ. Code Section 1708.8 | - |
| Emergency-scene rule | Cal. Pen. Code Section 402(b) | - |
| FAA Registration | - | Required over 0.55 lbs |
| TRUST Test | - | Required for all rec flyers |
| County Parks | - | Drones prohibited |
| Max Altitude | - | 400 ft AGL |
| SFO Area | - | LAANC required |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Daly City FAQ
Do I need a city permit to fly my drone in Daly City?
No. Daly City does not issue municipal drone permits and the Daly City Municipal Code (Title 4, Title 8) does not contain a standalone drone permit requirement. You must, however, comply with FAA registration and TRUST requirements and obtain LAANC airspace authorization where SFO Class B controls Daly City airspace.
Can I fly over my neighbor's yard?
Federal law allows it in navigable airspace, but California Civil Code Section 1708.8 makes you civilly liable for capturing video or photos of a person engaged in private activity where they have a reasonable expectation of privacy. Daly City nuisance ordinances can also be invoked for repeated harassing overflights.
What about flying at the beach or coastal bluffs?
Mussel Rock, Thornton State Beach, and Fort Funston-adjacent areas are partly under federal (GGNRA / NPS) jurisdiction where 36 CFR 1.5 prohibits launching, landing, or operating UAS within NPS lands. Confirm jurisdiction before launching.
South San Francisco 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.
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