Commercial drone operations in Somerville require FAA Part 107 certification plus LAANC airspace authorization for most of the city. Parks and events require additional city permits.
Commercial drone operations in Somerville require an FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate and adherence to Part 107 operational rules. Because Somerville is almost entirely within Boston Logan Class B controlled airspace, nearly every flight requires FAA LAANC authorization specifying altitude and coverage area. Commercial operators must register each drone with the FAA, display the registration number, and maintain operational records. Waivers are available for operations beyond Part 107 defaults such as night flight without lighting or over people. Somerville requires permits for takeoff and landing from city parks or public property and may require proof of FAA certification, LAANC approval, and liability insurance. Real estate, wedding, inspection, and film operators commonly use Somerville airspace and should plan LAANC requests in advance.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
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Somerville, MA
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Middlesex County.
See how other cities in Middlesex County handle commercial drones.
See how Somerville's commercial drones rules stack up against other locations.
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