Commercial Drones: Los Angeles vs South Gate
How do commercial drones rules compare between Los Angeles, CA and South Gate, CA?
Los Angeles and South Gate have similar restriction levels.
Los Angeles, CA
Los Angeles County
Commercial drone operators in LA must hold an FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate. LAMC 56.31 defines Civil UAS as any drone operated for non-recreational purposes. Commercial operators need FilmLA permits for aerial filming in public spaces. Additional city and FAA waivers may be needed for operations over people, at night, or in controlled airspace near LA airports.
View full Los Angeles rules →South Gate, CA
Los Angeles County
Commercial drone operations in South Gate are regulated exclusively by FAA 14 CFR Part 107 — no local commercial-UAS ordinance exists in the South Gate Municipal Code. Operators must hold a Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate, register each aircraft, broadcast Remote ID, and obtain LAANC authorization for the Class B / Class D airspace blanketing the city.
View full South Gate rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Los Angeles | South Gate |
|---|---|---|
| FAA License | Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate required | - |
| Filming | FilmLA permit needed for public spaces | - |
| Code Section | LAMC 56.31 | - |
| Waivers | Needed for night, over people, near airports | - |
| Local ordinance | - | None — Part 107 governs |
| Part 107 certificate | - | Required for any commercial UAS work |
| Recurrent training | - | Every 24 months (free online) |
| LAANC airspace | - | LAX Class B + HHR/CPM/LGB Class D |
| Filming permit | - | City Community Services + FilmLA |
| Remote ID | - | Required Part 89 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Los Angeles 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 Los Angeles for any additional filming permit requirements.
South Gate FAQ
Do I need a city business license to fly commercially in South Gate?
If you are operating a UAS business based in or regularly working in South Gate, a general business license under Title 5 applies. The flying itself is regulated by FAA Part 107.
Can I fly commercially over South Gate Park or Hollydale Park?
You need a city filming/use permit through Community Services and likely FilmLA. Chapter 7.49 restricts park activities that disrupt other users.
Is LAANC authorization required?
Yes for almost all of South Gate. The city sits under LAX Class B shelf and adjacent Class D airports. Use Aloft, AirMap, or Skyward for instant LAANC approval.
Can I deliver packages by drone in South Gate?
Package delivery requires a Part 135 air-carrier certificate from the FAA in addition to Part 107. No Part 135 delivery operator is currently authorized in South Gate.
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