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Cedar Park, TX Drone Rules: Commercial Drones (2026)

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

Key Facts

Applies to
special events only, not general flights
Permit cap
10 per event
Apply through
Parks and Recreation Director
Lead time required
14 days before the event
Exempt
law enforcement and City drones

Summary

Cedar Park requires a city-issued permit before flying a drone from or over a permitted special event, capping issuance at ten permits per event; law enforcement and City drones are exempt from the rule.

It shall be unlawful for any person to deploy, launch, fly, or otherwise operate an unmanned aircraft system from or over the location of a special event held within the City limits or in the City's extraterritorial jurisdiction within 5,000 feet thereof for the duration of the event without a valid permit issued pursuant to section 8.11.003.

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4973212; v14 updated 2026-06-25).

Full Breakdown

Article 8.11 makes it unlawful to deploy, launch, fly, or operate an unmanned aircraft system from or over the location of a special event -- inside city limits or within 5,000 feet of it in the ETJ -- for the event's duration without a valid permit. Applicants file with the Director of Parks and Recreation at least 14 days ahead, listing the aircraft's make, model, serial number, and FAA registration number if applicable; only the first ten completed applications per event receive a permit, and operators must carry it while flying. Law enforcement drones and City-operated drones are exempt.

Violations & Fines

Operating an unmanned aircraft over a covered special event without a valid permit is declared a nuisance under Sec. 8.11.002(a) and a Class C misdemeanor under Sec. 8.11.002(c), fined per Sec. 1.01.009, with each day a separate offense.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a permit to fly a commercial drone anywhere in Cedar Park?
No. The permit under Article 8.11 is only required to fly from or over a permitted special event, within city limits or 5,000 feet of one in the ETJ; it doesn't regulate other drone flights.
How many drone permits does the city issue per event?
Only ten, issued to the first ten applicants who submit a completed application and pay the fee, per Sec. 8.11.003(b) and (e).

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Cedar Park

Parking Rules: Overnight ParkingSome RestrictionsParking Rules: RV & Boat ParkingSome RestrictionsEvent Drone RestrictionsSignificant RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Vehicle NoiseHeavy RestrictionsParking Rules: Loading ZonesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: EV ChargingSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Driveway RulesSignificant Restrictions

All Cedar Park rules

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