Commercial drone operators in Richardson must hold an FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate and comply with all FAA airspace rules. Richardson's proximity to Addison Airport and DFW Class B airspace makes LAANC authorization essential for most commercial flights within city limits.
Commercial drone pilots operating in Richardson, TX must hold a valid FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate and register each aircraft through the FAA DroneZone portal. Texas Government Code Chapter 423 preempts local regulation of UAS operations but criminalizes surveillance of private property, critical infrastructure (power plants, refineries), and correctional facilities without authorization. Because Richardson sits under DFW International's Mode C veil and adjacent to Addison Airport (ADS), nearly all commercial operations require LAANC airspace authorization before flight. Commercial operators filming in public right-of-way or on city property should coordinate with Richardson Communications and the Parks department for access, and operations over people or at night require FAA waivers or compliant Category 1-4 aircraft with Remote ID. Insurance is not legally required but is standard industry practice and often required by clients.
Specific penalty amounts for this ordinance are not published in a publicly accessible fine schedule. Contact Richardson code enforcement directly for current fines, enforcement procedures, and hearing options.
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