Drone Rules in Santa Cruz County, CA (2026)
2 rules for unincorporated Santa Cruz County, California.
Verified from official government sources
Recreational Drones
Unincorporated Santa Cruz County bans taking off or landing any unmanned aircraft system, drones included, on the Cotoni-Coast Dairies Unit of the California Coastal National Monument. SCCC § 8.58.030(A)(19) makes it a flat prohibition on that Bureau of Land Management-managed public land, enforced as an infraction.
Santa Cruz County Drone Ban at Cotoni-Coast Dairies
Heavy RestrictionsSCCC § 8.58.020(I), § 8.58.030(A)(19)-(20)
"Unmanned aircraft system" means any aircraft without a human pilot on board (e.g., drones). ... (19) Taking off or landing of aircraft, including unmanned aircraft systems, is prohibited. (20) Taking off or landings of a paraglider, hang-glider, or similar recreational equipment is prohibited within the Cotoni-Coast Dairies Unit of the California Coastal National Monument.
Park Drone Restrictions
Santa Cruz County's park code doesn't use the word 'drone,' but § 10.04.150 bans operating any motorized model aircraft anywhere in a County park except in an area the Department has specifically designated for that use. Because a consumer drone is a motorized, remotely piloted model aircraft, this designated-area rule is the operative restriction on flying one in Aptos, Soquel, Live Oak, Felton, Ben Lomond, Boulder Creek and other unincorporated county parks.
Santa Cruz County Drone Rules In Parks
Some RestrictionsSanta Cruz County Code § 10.04.150
A person shall not operate motorized model aircraft, boats or other crafts except in areas designated for such use and subject to all rules and regulations applicable thereto.
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