Park Drone Restrictions: Palo Alto vs Sunnyvale
How do park drone restrictions rules compare between Palo Alto, CA and Sunnyvale, CA?
Palo Alto and Sunnyvale have similar restriction levels.
Palo Alto, CA
Santa Clara County
Santa Clara County Parks and Recreation prohibits drone takeoff, landing, and operation in nearly all county parks. Limited exceptions exist for designated model-aircraft areas and for permitted commercial filming with advance Parks Department approval.
View full Palo Alto rules →Sunnyvale, CA
Santa Clara County
Santa Clara County Parks and Recreation prohibits drone takeoff, landing, and operation in nearly all county parks. Limited exceptions exist for designated model-aircraft areas and for permitted commercial filming with advance Parks Department approval.
View full Sunnyvale rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Palo Alto | Sunnyvale |
|---|---|---|
| Ordinance | SCC Park Ordinance NS-610 | SCC Park Ordinance NS-610 |
| Default rule | No takeoff or landing | No takeoff or landing |
| Exception | Designated model aircraft area | Designated model aircraft area |
| Commercial filming | Permit + Part 107 + insurance | Permit + Part 107 + insurance |
| Maximum fine | Up to 500 dollars | Up to 500 dollars |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Palo Alto FAQ
Is there any park in Santa Clara County where recreational drones are allowed?
The Parks Department occasionally designates model-aircraft areas, but most county parks are closed to recreational drones. Check the Parks Department website before flying, since designations can change seasonally for wildlife protection.
Does the rule apply to overflight from outside the park?
The county can only regulate takeoff, landing, and on-the-ground operation. Overflight from outside the park is governed by Federal Aviation Administration airspace rules, not the county park ordinance.
Sunnyvale FAQ
Is there any park in Santa Clara County where recreational drones are allowed?
The Parks Department occasionally designates model-aircraft areas, but most county parks are closed to recreational drones. Check the Parks Department website before flying, since designations can change seasonally for wildlife protection.
Does the rule apply to overflight from outside the park?
The county can only regulate takeoff, landing, and on-the-ground operation. Overflight from outside the park is governed by Federal Aviation Administration airspace rules, not the county park ordinance.
Compare other topics
See how Palo Alto and Sunnyvale compare on other ordinance categories.
Want to add a third city?
Use our full comparison tool to compare up to three cities.
Open Comparison Tool