Skip to main content
CityRuleLookup
Key FactsOrdinance TextFull BreakdownViolationsFAQSourcesMore in Anaheim

Anaheim, CA Drone Rules: Airport Proximity Rules (2026)

Significant Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Governing section
AMC § 6.43.020.0202
Controlled airspace
authorization from airport tower required
Altitude cap
400 feet above ground level
Flight hours
sunrise to sunset only
Penalty
misdemeanor, up to $1,000 fine/6 months jail
FAA exemption
Section 333/Part 107 authorized flights excepted

Summary

Anaheim bans flying a drone or model aircraft inside the controlled airspace of any airport without the airport control tower's prior express authorization. The same section caps altitude at 400 feet and confines flights to daylight hours.

.0202 It is unlawful to operate a Model Aircraft or Civil UAS within the controlled airspace of any airport without the prior express authorization of the airport control tower.

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-28: Code: Supplement contains: Local legislation current through Ord. 6627, passed 8-11-2026 | Zoning: Local legislation current through Ord. 6627, passed 8-11-2026).

Full Breakdown

0201). 0106), a seam distinctive to Anaheim's resort and stadium district. § 44704 from the local prohibitions, so a pilot with valid FAA authorization for airspace near John Wayne Airport or Fullerton Municipal is not automatically in violation of the city rule. 370.

Violations & Fines

A violation of Chapter 6.43 is a misdemeanor under Section 6.43.020.030, punishable per Section 1.01.370: a fine of up to $1,000, up to six months in county jail, or both. Each day a violation continues counts as a separate offense. Federally authorized flights under an FAA waiver or Part 107 airspace authorization are exempt.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fly my drone near John Wayne Airport if I launch from Anaheim?
Not without the airport control tower's prior express authorization. Section 6.43.020.0202 makes flying in an airport's controlled airspace unlawful unless the tower has cleared it first, separate from any FAA airspace authorization you may hold.
Does an FAA Part 107 waiver override Anaheim's drone rules?
Yes, for the specific operation it covers. Section 6.43.020.040 exempts anyone operating under an FAA Section 333 grant, certificate of waiver or authorization, or airworthiness certificate from Anaheim's local restrictions for that flight.
What happens if I fly in restricted airspace without authorization?
It is a misdemeanor under Section 6.43.020.030, carrying up to a $1,000 fine, up to six months in jail, or both under the citywide penalty section 1.01.370. Each day of continued violation is a separate offense.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Anaheim

Commercial DronesSignificant RestrictionsRecreational DronesSignificant RestrictionsEvent Drone RestrictionsSignificant RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Barking DogsSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Driveway RulesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Commercial & Oversized VehiclesSignificant RestrictionsParking Rules: Loading ZonesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Preferential Parking DistrictsSignificant RestrictionsFence Regulations: Fence Permit RequirementsSignificant Restrictions

All Anaheim rules

California rules heatmap·Compare Anaheim to another location·View the California drone rules overview

Get notified when Airport Proximity Rules in Anaheim, CA changes

We'll email you the moment we detect a change in the code. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.

We'll never sell or share your email. One-click unsubscribe in every email.

See something wrong?

Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.

Airport Proximity Rules in Nearby Cities

How other cities in Orange County handle airport proximity rules.

Garden Grove, CA
Some Restrictions