Riverside does not require a separate municipal commercial drone permit. Commercial operators must hold an FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate and follow 14 CFR Part 107. Operators using public property such as parks for commercial filming need a Facility Reservation permit under RMC § 9.08.120.
Federal law 14 CFR Part 107 governs all non-recreational/commercial drone use and requires the pilot to hold a Remote Pilot Certificate (passing the Part 107 knowledge test), register every aircraft, fly below 400 ft AGL, maintain visual line of sight, and avoid flying over people or moving vehicles without a waiver. Class D airspace around Riverside Municipal Airport (KRAL) requires LAANC authorization. Locally, the City does not issue a separate commercial drone license, but any commercial activity in a city park — including commercial filming or drone-based photography from park property — triggers Riverside Municipal Code § 9.08.120(A)(1)(b), (d), and (i), which require a Facility Reservation Application for the 'commercial sale of any good or service,' for 'advertising or commercial activities,' and for 'bringing, landing or causing to ascend or descend or alight within the Park District, any airplane, helicopter, flying machine, balloon, parachute or other apparatus for aviation.' Commercial operators must also hold a Riverside business license under RMC Title 5. Privacy-related conduct is subject to Civil Code § 1708.8 (physical and constructive invasion of privacy).
FAA Part 107 violations may result in civil penalties up to $75,000 per violation, suspension or revocation of the Remote Pilot Certificate. Operating in a city park without a Facility Reservation permit is an infraction under RMC § 9.08.120 punishable under the general penalty in RMC § 1.16. Operating any commercial business without a Riverside business license is a misdemeanor under RMC Chapter 5.04.
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