Lincoln, CA Drone Rules: Commercial Drones (2026)

Lincoln has not adopted a commercial UAS ordinance. Federal law (FAA 14 CFR Part 107) provides the exclusive regulatory framework for non-recreational/commercial drone operations and preempts conflicting local airspace regulation (FAA v. Singer, City of Newton 2017). To fly commercially in Lincoln a pilot must: (1) hold a current Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate (16+, passed the Part 107 Aeronautical Knowledge Test, TSA vetted); (2) register every drone with the FAA ($5, 3-year term); (3) display the registration number externally; (4) fly only in daylight (or civil twilight with anti-collision lighting) or with a §107.29 waiver; (5) maintain visual line-of-sight; (6) stay at or below 400 ft AGL (or within 400 ft of a structure); (7) stay below 100 mph; (8) yield to manned aircraft; (9) avoid flight over people unless within the Operations Over People rule categories; and (10) request LAANC authorization for any operation in controlled airspace. KLHM (Lincoln Regional/Karl Harder Field) sits in uncontrolled Class G with overlying Class E at 700 ft AGL — LAANC is not generally required at the surface, but operations near the traffic pattern still require pre-flight coordination. California overlays apply: Civil Code §1708.8 (privacy), Penal Code §402 (first-responder interference), Penal Code §602 (trespass), and Vehicle Code §21701 (interference with driver). Lincoln film/commercial photography on city property may require a separate Special Event/Filming permit from the City Manager's office; check with Parks & Recreation (916-434-3220) before filming over McBean Park or other city facilities.