Drone Rules in Santa Clara County, CA (2026)
2 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 3 cities in Santa Clara County, California.
Verified from official government sources
Commercial Drones
Unincorporated Santa Clara County bans operating any drone, commercial UAS included, in a way that interferes with firefighting, law enforcement, or emergency response; only public-agency drones are exempt.
Santa Clara County Drone Interference Ban
Some RestrictionsSanta Clara County Ordinance Code § B13-126
(a)It is unlawful for a person to operate an Unmanned Aircraft System in a manner that interferes with firefighting, emergency services, law enforcement, or a military operation in response to an Emergency.(b)A violation of this Section is not a misdemeanor. Any person in violation of this Section may be subject to civil and administrative fines and penalties. Any violation of this Chapter is d...
Park Drone Restrictions
Launching or landing a drone in any Santa Clara County Park requires a Valid Permit from the Parks Director; unauthorized flights from park land are prohibited countywide.
Drone Launches Banned in Santa Clara County Parks
Significant RestrictionsSanta Clara County Ordinance Code § B14-45.3(b)
Except as expressly and directly authorized by applicable law, without a Valid Permit issued by the Director authorizing such use, no person shall launch or land a Drone, aircraft, or personal air vehicle within any Park Area or on any structure, facility, or equipment located within any Park Area.(1)This subsection shall not apply to an emergency landing by a Drone, aircraft, or personal air v...
Drone Rules by City in Santa Clara County
3 cities in Santa Clara County have their own drone rules rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.
All Santa Clara County ordinances
See every category we cover for Santa Clara County: parking, noise, fences, fires, animals, pools, and more.
Santa Clara County Ordinance Hub →