Indio, CA Drone Rules: Commercial Drones (2026)
Key Facts
- Local licensing
- None beyond FAA compliance
- Protected-site buffer
- 500 feet, written authorization required
- Adopted
- Ord. 1731 (2018), amended 2023
- Enforced by
- Indio Police Department
Summary
Indio, in Riverside County, California, does not add extra licensing for commercial drone flights beyond FAA rules, but still requires written authorization to fly over protected sites like city hall.
This Chapter is not intended to restrict persons operating commercial unmanned aircraft and unmanned aircraft systems in compliance with all applicable FAA rules and other applicable laws, outside of prohibited sites. This Chapter is not intended to restrict persons operating unmanned aircraft and unmanned aircraft systems flown strictly for recreational purposes in compliance with all applicable FAA rules and other applicable laws, outside of protected sites. Federal laws, state laws, and FAA rules and regulations are subject to change. Compliance with this Chapter may not constitute compliance with current, pending or future, federal laws, state laws or FAA rules and regulations. It is the responsibility of all persons operating, or involved in the operation of, unmanned aircraft and unmanned aircraft systems to ensure they are in compliance with all the legal duties that may be applicable to their involvement in the operation of any unmanned aircraft and unmanned aircraft systems. This Chapter is not intended to preempt Federal laws, State laws or FAA rules and regulations, but to operate in conjunction with those rules to promote the safe and lawful operation of unmanned aircraft and unmanned aircraft systems within the City.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4796010; v13 updated 2026-02-04; through 02-04-2026).
Full Breakdown
Chapter 105 states that the city does not intend to restrict people operating commercial drones who comply with FAA rules, outside of the code's listed prohibited and protected sites. Commercial operators must still designate an FAA-certificated remote pilot in command before every flight, follow all Part 107 operating limits, and obtain written authorization before flying above or within 500 feet of city buildings, courts, jails, schools, hospitals, utility facilities and other protected sites listed in § 105.04.
Violations & Fines
Flying a drone over a protected site without written authorization, or violating any Chapter 105 requirement, is a citable code violation enforced by the Indio Police Department.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Indio require a separate city permit for commercial drone flights?
What areas require permission before flying a commercial drone in Indio?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Indio
California rules heatmap·Compare Indio to another location·View the California drone rules overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.
Commercial Drones in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Riverside County handle commercial drones.