Commercial drone operations in Ontario require an FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate, LAANC authorization in ONT airspace, and a City business license for aerial photography or inspection services.
Commercial, non-recreational UAS operations (real estate photography, roof inspections, construction progress surveys, delivery pilots) over Ontario are regulated by 14 CFR Part 107. Operators must hold a valid FAA Remote Pilot Certificate, register each aircraft, comply with 400-foot altitude and visual line-of-sight rules, and obtain LAANC authorization before flying in ONT Class C airspace, which covers the majority of the City. Night flights, flights over people, and flights from a moving vehicle require compliance with 14 CFR 107.29, 107.39, and 107.25 or an FAA waiver. Under California Civil Code 1708.8, operators can be sued for constructive invasion of privacy for intentionally recording a person in a private place. Any commercial drone operator providing services to Ontario customers must also obtain a City business license under OMC Title 4 and carry commercial general liability insurance, with 1 million dollars being the industry norm. Launching or landing inside a City park or on public right-of-way requires a film or event permit from the Community Services Department.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in San Bernardino County.
See how other cities in San Bernardino County handle commercial drones.
See how Ontario's commercial drones rules stack up against other locations.
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