Minneapolis, MN Drone Rules: Commercial Drones (2026)
Key Facts
- Proximity rule
- Stay 25 ft from bystanders
- Careless operation
- Prohibited citywide
- Small UAS defined
- Under 55 lbs at takeoff
- Governing law order
- FAA and MN Statutes control first
- Penalty
- Misdemeanor under § 1.30
Summary
Minneapolis bars careless or heedless unmanned aircraft operation and prohibits flying a small drone within 25 feet of any person on the ground without that person's explicit permission, under City Code § 385.40.
No person shall operate or assist the operation of any small unmanned aircraft carelessly or heedlessly in disregard of the rights of persons on the ground or in disregard of the rights of owners, users, or occupants of real or personal property that is on or under the ground or in any way connected thereto.(5)No person shall fly a small unmanned aircraft within twenty-five (25) feet of any individual person on the ground or in or on real or personal property located on the ground without the explicit permission of such person.(6)Penalties for violation of this section shall be as provided in section 1.30 of this Code. (Ord. No. 2017-077, § 1, 12-8-17)
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 72).
Full Breakdown
Chapter 385 of the Minneapolis Code of Ordinances regulates unmanned aircraft citywide, including commercial drone operators, in addition to FAA and Minnesota Statutes, which govern first whenever a conflict exists. Operators may not fly carelessly or heedlessly in disregard of the rights of people or property on the ground, and may not fly a small unmanned aircraft (under 55 pounds at takeoff) within 25 feet of any individual on the ground without that person's explicit permission. The chapter also created a takeoff/landing permit requirement inside a defined downtown 'special event zone' for three named 2018-2019 event windows, now lapsed. Violations are prosecuted under the Code's general penalty section, § 1.30.
Violations & Fines
A violation is a misdemeanor under § 1.30: punishable by a fine and/or jail time up to Minnesota's misdemeanor maximum, with each day of a continuing violation prosecuted as a separate offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Minneapolis regulate commercial drone flights separately from hobbyist flights?
How close can a drone legally fly to a person in Minneapolis?
What happens if someone violates the drone rules?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Minneapolis
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