Key Facts Full Breakdown Violations FAQ Sources

El Cerrito, CA Drone Rules: Commercial Drones (2026)

Some Restrictions

Source: California Public Utilities Code 21403 →

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Key Facts

Federal rule: 14 CFR Part 107
Pilot certification: FAA Remote Pilot
Altitude ceiling: 400 feet AGL
State airspace law: PUC 21401
FAA fine cap: Up to $32,666

California state rule: El Cerrito does not have a local ordinance for commercial drones. This topic is governed by California state law and applies uniformly across the state.

Summary

Commercial drone operations in California follow uniform federal rules under 14 CFR Part 107 plus statewide California provisions in Civil Code 1708.8 and Public Utilities Code 21401, with local rules limited to ground-based regulation.

Full Breakdown

14 CFR Part 107 sets nationwide commercial UAS standards including Remote Pilot Certification, 400-foot altitude limit, daylight or twilight operation, and beyond-visual-line-of-sight waivers. Public Utilities Code 21401 confirms state sovereignty over the airspace above California subject to federal supremacy. Business and Professions Code 5536.22 confirms UAS use for licensed photography and surveying. Civil Code 1708.8 applies to commercial operators identically to recreational. Local governments cannot regulate flight paths, altitudes, or pilot certification; their authority is limited to takeoff and landing on public property and noise nuisance enforcement.

Violations & Fines

FAA civil penalties for Part 107 violations reach $32,666 per occurrence with possible certificate suspension. Operating without a Remote Pilot Certificate may result in cease-and-desist orders and additional civil penalties. California privacy and trespass damages may also apply.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do California cities license commercial drone operators?

No. Pilot certification is exclusively federal under 14 CFR Part 107. California cities cannot require their own drone pilot licenses, although they may charge fees for commercial filming permits on city property.

Can a city restrict where I take off for a job?

Yes for ground operations. Cities can regulate takeoff and landing on city-owned land and require film permits, but they cannot regulate the airspace, flight path, or altitude of a Part 107 operation.

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El Cerrito, CA Drone Rules: Commercial Drones (2026)

Key Facts

Summary

Full Breakdown

Violations & Fines

Frequently Asked Questions

Sources & Official References

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