Tempe, AZ Drone Rules: Commercial Drones (2026)
Key Facts
- Federal Authority
- FAA Part 107 governs commercial operations
- Pilot License
- Remote Pilot Certificate required
- Airspace
- Near PHX - Class B, LAANC authorization needed
- State Law
- ARS 13-3729 preempts local drone regulation
- Max Altitude
- 400 ft AGL under Part 107
- TFRs
- Active during major ASU sporting events
Summary
Commercial drone operations in Tempe are primarily regulated by the FAA under Part 107 rules. Operators need a Remote Pilot Certificate. Tempe is near Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport, making much of the city fall within controlled airspace requiring LAANC authorization. Arizona law (ARS 13-3729) preempts most local drone regulation. The city cannot impose flight bans beyond federal law.
C. Except as authorized by law, a city, town or county may not enact or adopt any ordinance, policy or rule that relates to the ownership or operation of an unmanned aircraft or unmanned aircraft system or otherwise engage in the regulation of the ownership or operation of an unmanned aircraft or an unmanned aircraft system. Any ordinance, policy or rule that violates this subsection, whether enacted or adopted by the city, town or county before or after August 6, 2016, is void.
D. This section does not:
1. Apply to a person or entity that is authorized or allowed by the federal aviation administration to operate or use an unmanned aircraft system if the person's or entity's operation or use complies with the authorization granted to the person or entity or with federal aviation administration rules.
2. Prohibit a city, town or county from enacting or adopting ordinances or rules on the operation or use of a public unmanned aircraft that is owned by the city, town or county.
3. Prohibit a city, town or county from enacting or adopting ordinances or rules that regulate the takeoff or landing of a model aircraft in a park or preserve owned by the city, town or county if:
(a) There are other parks or preserves that are within the city, town or county and that are available for model aircraft operation.
(b) The city, town or county only has one park or preserve that is within the city, town or county.
Full Breakdown
Commercial drone operations in Tempe fall under FAA Part 107 regulations. Operators must hold a Remote Pilot Certificate. Due to Tempe's proximity to Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX), significant portions of the city lie within Class B airspace. Commercial operators must obtain Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability (LAANC) approval before flying in controlled airspace. Arizona state law (ARS 13-3729) preempts local governments from regulating drone operations beyond what federal law allows. Tempe cannot impose local drone flight bans or additional permit requirements for lawful drone operations. However, city parks and facilities may have rules about drone launches from city property. Standard FAA Part 107 rules apply: maximum altitude of 400 feet AGL, daylight operations (or with anti-collision lighting), visual line of sight, yield to manned aircraft, and no flight over people without appropriate waivers. Commercial operators near ASU stadiums should be aware of TFRs (Temporary Flight Restrictions) during major sporting events.
Violations & Fines
FAA violations for unauthorized commercial drone operations may result in fines up to $27,500 per violation. Flying in controlled airspace without LAANC authorization is a federal offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a license to fly a commercial drone in Tempe?
Can Tempe ban drones?
What about flying near ASU?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Tempe
Compare Tempe to another location·View the Arizona drone rules overview
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Commercial Drones in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Maricopa County handle commercial drones.