Minneapolis, MN Drone Rules: Event Drone Restrictions (2026)
Key Facts
- Permit needed for
- Takeoffs/landings in special event zone
- Permit issuer
- Director of Regulatory Services
- Zone
- Downtown and central riverfront corridor
- Named windows
- Jan-Feb 2018, Jul 2018, Apr 2019
- Standing rule citywide
- No flying within 25 ft of people
Summary
Flying a drone to take off or land inside Minneapolis's downtown special event zone requires a permit from the Director of Regulatory Services, per Minneapolis Code of Ordinances § 385.40(b)(3), though the code names only three date windows, all from 2018-2019.
No person shall use, assist, or facilitate the use of an unmanned aircraft for takeoffs or landings from/to any lands, waterways, or water bodies or other areas, including real property or personal property, in the special event zone on the following dates without first obtaining a permit from the Minneapolis Director of Regulatory Services or the Director's designee specifically permitting the use of the special event zone for such takeoff or landing: a. Monday January 15, 2018, to and including Monday February 5, 2018...
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 72).
Full Breakdown
Minneapolis Code Section 385.40(b)(3) bars unmanned-aircraft takeoffs and landings inside a mapped special event zone covering downtown and the central riverfront without a permit from the Director of Regulatory Services. As codified, that permit requirement is tied to three specific windows -- January 15 to February 5, 2018, July 16 to 24, 2018, and April 3 to 10, 2019 -- and no later dates have been added since. Two standing rules in the same section apply anywhere in the city at any time: no careless operation that disregards people or property on the ground, and no flying within 25 feet of any person without that person's permission. Violations are misdemeanors under Section 1.30.
Violations & Fines
Misdemeanor under Minneapolis Code § 1.30: Minnesota's standard misdemeanor maximum (up to 90 days, $1,000 fine), with each day of continuation a separate offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Minneapolis require a permit to fly a drone at a downtown event today?
Can I fly a drone near a crowd anywhere in Minneapolis?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Minneapolis
Compare Minneapolis to another location·View the Minnesota drone rules overview
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