Drone Rules in Monterey County, CA (2026)

2 rules for unincorporated Monterey County, California.

Verified from official government sources

Note: These county rules apply to unincorporated areas of Monterey County. If you live within an incorporated city, that city's own rules apply: see the city list below.

Park Drone Restrictions

Monterey County bans flying or landing drones and model airplanes in any County park without a permit under Monterey County Code § 14.12.050(A)(19). The Parks Director issues approval only on a one-time, case-by-case basis, so recreational pilots cannot obtain a standing pass to fly repeatedly at the same park. This rule covers County-operated parks such as Toro, Jacks Peak and Laguna Seca, not incorporated cities' own parks.

Monterey County Drone Rules in Parks

Significant Restrictions

Monterey County Code § 14.12.050(A)(19)

A.No person within a County park shall:...17.Engage in any riotous, boisterous, threatening, or incendiary conduct, or use obscene language, or operate a remote-controlled aircraft system (drone), model airplane, radio or musical instrument in such a manner as to disturb other persons....19.Operate or land remote-controlled aircraft systems (drones) or model airplanes of any size without a perm...

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Event Drone Restrictions

Monterey County bans flying or landing a drone in any County park without a permit, and even then approval is one-time and case-by-case, under Code § 14.12.050(A)(19). The same section separately bars operating a drone in a way that disturbs other park visitors, so drone use at park events and gatherings is tightly restricted.

Monterey County Drone Ban in County Parks

Significant Restrictions

Monterey County Code § 14.12.050(A)(17), (19)

17.Engage in any riotous, boisterous, threatening, or incendiary conduct, or use obscene language, or operate a remote-controlled aircraft system (drone), model airplane, radio or musical instrument in such a manner as to disturb other persons... 19.Operate or land remote-controlled aircraft systems (drones) or model airplanes of any size without a permit. Approval may only be provided on a one...

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

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