Longview, TX Drone Rules: Event Drone Restrictions (2026)
Key Facts
- Governs
- Public recreational facilities citywide
- Default rule
- Drone launch/operation prohibited
- Exception
- Parks director permit required
- Enforcement
- Citation plus ejection from facility
- Adopted
- Ord. No. 4108, 6-22-2017
Summary
Longview bans launching or flying drones in city recreational facilities, including at events held there, unless the parks director issues a permit.
No person in a public recreational facility shall: ... (f) ascend, descend, operate, or launch any aircraft, including but not limited to airplanes, unmannned aircraft system (drone), paraplanes, ultralights, helicopters, and gliders. ... It is an affirmative defense to prosecution for an offense defined by this section that the alleged offense was both (1) authorized by a permit issued by the director and (2) conducted in full compliance with all the conditions imposed on said permit by the director.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: June 2026: This code is current through Ordinances 4635 passed 06.25.26).
Full Breakdown
Under Sec. 81-14(f) of the Longview Code of Ordinances, no person may ascend, descend, operate, or launch a drone ("unmanned aircraft system") or any other aircraft in a public recreational facility. This covers gatherings and organized events held in city parks and recreation areas. The ordinance carries an affirmative defense: a drone operator who was authorized by a permit issued by the parks director, and who complied with every condition of that permit, is not guilty of the offense. Violators are also subject to ejection from the facility by the director under Sec. 81-18.
Violations & Fines
Class C misdemeanor citation for unpermitted drone launch, operation, or landing in a recreational facility; ejection from the facility by the parks director.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I fly a drone over a festival in a Longview park?
What happens if I fly a drone without a permit?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Longview
Texas rules heatmap·Compare Longview to another location·View the Texas drone rules overview
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