Grand Forks, ND Drone Rules: Airport Proximity Rules (2026)

Section 9-0202 is written broadly around 'aircraft' rather than drones specifically, but its definition in subsection (5) expressly reaches unmanned aerial vehicles and unmanned aircraft systems weighing more than 55 pounds, alongside airplanes, helicopters, hot-air balloons and gliders. Anything at or under 55 pounds that is not designed or capable of carrying a person, including most consumer and hobby drones, falls outside the definition and outside this particular ban.

For aircraft the section does cover, subsection (1) makes it unlawful for any person, operator, corporation, association or firm to cause or permit a landing or takeoff anywhere in the city except at an authorized helipad, airport or other location the city council has approved. Subsection (2) carves out law enforcement, emergency, military and medical operations, plus aircraft used for education, demonstration or research at the University of North Dakota, and any other landing or takeoff site the council separately approves. Subsection (3) directs the council to weigh weather, obstructions, site size, proximity to schools, homes, businesses and roadways, landing surface, hours of operation and noise before approving any new location, and subsection (4) binds an approved operator to whatever conditions the council attaches.

Because the University of North Dakota, Grand Forks Air Force Base and the municipal airport all sit in or near the city, section 9-0202 functions as the city's tool for keeping large unmanned aircraft, and any other aircraft, away from unapproved landing sites near homes, schools and the airfield.