Santa Clara, CA Drone Rules: Event Drone Restrictions (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing law
- SCCC Chapter 8.60, adopted Ord. 2080
- Restriction near city Major Events
- 1-mile radius, 2 hours before/after
- Restriction near Levi's Stadium events
- 2-mile radius, 3 hours before/after
- Permit authority
- Chief of Police or designee
- Penalty
- Misdemeanor; equipment may be confiscated
- Effective date
- November 4, 2025
Summary
Santa Clara's Unmanned Aircraft Systems ordinance bars drone takeoffs and landings within a one-mile radius of any Major Event citywide for two hours before or after it happens, and within two miles of Levi's Stadium for three hours around any stadium event. City Code Chapter 8.60 defines a Major Event broadly and lets the Chief of Police issue an operating permit.
Except as set forth in Section 8.60.040 below, it shall be unlawful for any person to initiate the takeoff or landing of an Unmanned Aircraft or Unmanned Aircraft System: (1) Within a one-mile radius of, and within two hours before or after, a Major Event occurring within the City of Santa Clara, including, but not limited to, parades, outdoor concerts, street dances, festivals, art shows, sporting and recreational events, or large-scale community gatherings; and (2) Within a two-mile radius, and within three hours before or after, any Major Event held at Levi's® Stadium; and
Full Breakdown
Adopted as Ordinance No. 010, and it operates alongside existing FAA regulations rather than replacing them. 020(b) defines a "Major Event" as any sporting event, concert or other entertainment at Levi's Stadium or at Santa Clara University facilities, or any event in a public park, public street or open-air facility open to the public with a capacity over 1,000 people. 030(a), it is unlawful to initiate a drone takeoff or landing within a one-mile radius of, and within two hours before or after, any Major Event occurring anywhere in the city, including parades, outdoor concerts, street dances, festivals, art shows and large-scale community gatherings.
The restriction expands for the city's largest venue: takeoffs and landings are barred within a two-mile radius of Levi's Stadium for three hours before or after any stadium event. 040(a). 040(b), though holding a permit does not excuse compliance with all other applicable laws, including FAA rules. 45.
Violations & Fines
Violating the Major Event takeoff and landing restriction is enforceable under § 8.60.050 as a criminal, civil or administrative matter at the City's discretion; a convicted violator may be guilty of a misdemeanor. Officers may confiscate any drone or Unmanned Aircraft System flown in violation of Chapter 8.60. Operating without the Chief of Police's permit during a restricted radius and time window is itself the violation, regardless of whether any harm occurred.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I fly a drone near Levi's Stadium on game day?
What counts as a 'Major Event' under the drone ordinance?
Is overflying a Major Event from outside the radius allowed?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Santa Clara
California rules heatmap·Compare Santa Clara to another location·View the California drone rules overview
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