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Hayward, 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
HMC Sec. 2-6.18(b), Airport Operations Area
Restricted zone
Airport Operations Area at Hayward Executive Airport
Enforcing authority
Airport Manager, City of Hayward
Also banned in AOA
model airplanes, cars, go-carts, skateboards
Default penalty
infraction, fine up to Gov. Code Sec. 36900 limit

Summary

Hayward bans drone flights inside the Airport Operations Area at Hayward Executive Airport under Municipal Code Section 2-6.18(b), grouping unmanned aerial vehicles with radio-controlled model airplanes and cars as prohibited within the AOA, the restricted apron, runway and taxiway zone. The Airport Manager enforces the rule and can also restrict vehicle movement to designated portions of that zone.

a.The Airport Manager may restrict Vehicles to a certain portion(s) or segment(s) of the AOA. Such restrictions shall prohibit Vehicle operators outside designated areas.b.Use of radio-controlled model airplanes, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles ("drones"), or cars is not permitted on the AOA.c.Use of go-carts, roller blades and skate boards is not permitted on the AOA unless permission is received from the Airport Manager.

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Municipal Code: Supplement 28 Update 1 | Charter: Supplement 1).

Full Breakdown

18 of the Municipal Code lists what may not enter it. " The same section bars go-carts, roller blades and skateboards from the AOA unless the Airport Manager grants permission, and lets the Airport Manager restrict vehicle operators to designated portions or segments of the area. Gates providing access to the AOA must stay closed and locked except when actually in use, and vehicle operators must stop and let automatic gates fully close before proceeding. Boats, jet skis, snowmobiles, recreational vehicles, trailers and similar equipment may not be permanently parked or stored anywhere on the AOA without the Airport Manager's specific approval.

Because a drone is treated the same as an unauthorized ground vehicle under this section, a hobbyist or commercial operator cannot launch or fly one from inside the fenced AOA regardless of FAA Part 107 authorization elsewhere; the restriction is a City access-control rule layered on top of federal airspace law. 00.

Violations & Fines

Flying a drone inside the AOA is a City access violation the Airport Manager can act on directly, including denial of ramp access. Absent a violation section specific to Section 2-6.18, enforcement falls under Municipal Code Section 1-3.00: a first offense is charged as an infraction carrying a fine capped at the Government Code Section 36900 limit, with repeat violations within a twelve-month period escalating toward misdemeanor exposure and possible jail time under Section 36901.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fly a drone at Hayward Executive Airport?
Not inside the Airport Operations Area. Section 2-6.18(b) of the Municipal Code prohibits unmanned aerial vehicles, radio-controlled model airplanes and cars from the AOA, the fenced runway, taxiway and apron footprint. The rule applies regardless of FAA drone registration or Part 107 certification because it controls physical access to airport operating surfaces rather than airspace. Fly outside the fenced AOA and follow FAA airspace rules for the surrounding airspace instead.
Who enforces the AOA drone restriction?
The Airport Manager administers Section 2-6.18 and can restrict access, deny entry or refer violations for citation. Because the Municipal Code treats Airport Code violations like any other Code violation absent a specific penalty clause, Section 1-3.00 applies, meaning a first violation is an infraction punishable by a fine up to the limit set in Government Code Section 36900.
Does the AOA ban cover the whole airport property?
No, it covers only the Airport Operations Area, meaning the runways, taxiways, aprons and similar movement surfaces, not the entire airport parcel. The Airport Manager may also restrict vehicle operators, including hobbyists with radio-controlled aircraft, to designated portions of the AOA, and gates providing access must remain closed and locked except when actually in use.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Hayward

Animal Ordinances: Chickens & LivestockSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Driveway RulesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Loading ZonesSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Fence Permit RequirementsSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: BeekeepingSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Veterinary Clinic ZoningSome Restrictions

All Hayward rules

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