Dakota County, MN Drone Rules: Commercial Drones (2026)

Ordinance No. 4 (Aviation) provides that Unmanned Aerial Vehicles, meaning UAVs or drones, may only be used in established designated areas of a Dakota County park; the same section requires a Special Use Permit for other aviation takeoffs or landings, including aircraft, hot air balloons, parachutes, and hang gliders. 1 (Commercial Use) separately lists 'Flying a drone' among the commercial activities that may be approved by a SUP, alongside photography, filming, and product demonstrations, meaning a business or paid operator flying drones for commercial purposes in a county park needs a permit even before reaching a designated flying area.

A SUP for drone use does not grant exclusive use of airspace or ground area; the permittee must share the designated zone with other park users and cannot block public access. 2 applies: the permit is issued only by the Park Director or a designee, is non-transferable, and the operator or a representative must be present with the permit available to show county staff or a peace officer on request. Flying outside a designated area, or flying commercially without a SUP, is treated as a violation of the park ordinance's general conduct and commercial-use provisions.