Commercial Drones: Palo Alto vs San Jose
How do commercial drones rules compare between Palo Alto, CA and San Jose, CA?
Palo Alto and San Jose have similar restriction levels.
Palo Alto, CA
Santa Clara County
Commercial drone operators in Palo Alto must hold an FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot certificate, register the aircraft, comply with Remote ID, and obtain airspace authorization near Palo Alto Airport Class D airspace.
View full Palo Alto rules →San Jose, CA
Santa Clara County
Commercial drone operations in San Jose require an FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate. Operators must comply with all Part 107 regulations including flying below 400 feet AGL, maintaining visual line of sight, operating during daylight or civil twilight with anti-collision lights, and yielding to manned aircraft. LAANC authorization is required for operations in San Jose's controlled airspace near SJC and Moffett Field. The City does not require a separate local permit for commercial drone operations.
View full San Jose rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Palo Alto | San Jose |
|---|---|---|
| Certification | FAA Part 107 required | - |
| Airspace | PAO Class D - LAANC needed | LAANC authorization required near SJC/Moffett |
| Max altitude | 400 feet AGL | - |
| Remote ID | Required | - |
| City property | Permit required | - |
| Certificate | - | FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate required |
| Local Permit | - | No separate city permit required |
| Insurance | - | Liability insurance recommended |
| Waivers | - | FAA waivers available for beyond-standard operations |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Palo Alto FAQ
What certification do I need for commercial drone work?
An FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot certificate is required for any commercial drone operation, including paid photography and inspections.
Do I need permission to fly near Palo Alto Airport?
Yes. PAO has Class D airspace; commercial pilots must obtain authorization through LAANC before operating in that area.
Can I film commercially from a park?
You need a permit from Community Services or the Airport, and commercial film projects may require a separate city film permit.
San Jose FAQ
Do I need a city permit for commercial drone work in San Jose?
No separate city permit is required, but you must hold an FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate and obtain LAANC authorization for flights in controlled airspace near SJC airport.
Can I fly a drone for real estate photography in San Jose?
Yes, with a Part 107 certificate and LAANC authorization for the specific area. Most of San Jose requires airspace authorization due to proximity to SJC and Moffett Field.
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