Columbia, SC Drone Rules: Event Drone Restrictions (2026)

Section 14-107(a) defines a drone as an unmanned aircraft system without a human pilot onboard, controlled from the ground. Subsection (b) lists eight prohibited ways to operate one within city limits, including operating in violation of federal or state drone regulations, causing personal injury or property damage however slight, operating while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, using a drone to further any crime, impeding safe vehicular traffic, and interfering with first responders. Paragraph (b)(6) specifically bars flying a drone over any gathering or group exceeding 50 persons without lawful permission from the event organizer and any federal or state agencies with jurisdiction over the event.

Separately, Chapter 22's special events rules declare drones and other unmanned aircraft systems contraband subject to confiscation at permitted events such as protests, demonstrations, pickets and extraordinary events, unless the city manager or designee waives that prohibition based on the event's nature (§ 22-165(e)(12)). Under § 14-107(c), a violation falls within the jurisdiction of Columbia Municipal Court and is punishable under the general penalty provision at § 1-5, and § 14-107(d) separately declares any drone use that violates the section to be a public nuisance, opening the door to nuisance abatement remedies in addition to criminal prosecution. The ordinance was adopted by Ord. No. 2019-011 on February 19, 2019.