St. Louis, MO Drone Rules: Event Drone Restrictions (2026)
Key Facts
- Buffer distance
- 300 feet over permitted public events
- Who it covers
- Commercial/business drone operators only
- Exception
- Written permission from event holder or City
- Fine range
- $100 to $500 per violation
- Enforcement
- Police may seize and impound drone
Summary
St. Louis bars commercial drone operators from flying within 300 feet of any City-permitted public event unless the event holder or the City's Special Events Office grants permission first.
5.No person shall operate a drone for commercial or business purposes within an altitude of three hundred (300) feet over events that have been permitted by the City that are open to the public, unless the operator is granted permission by either the event permit holder or the City's Special Events Office.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 11).
Full Breakdown
Under Chapter 15.190 (Commercial Use of Drones), no person may operate a drone for commercial or business purposes within 300 feet, including in altitude, over an event that has been permitted by the City and is open to the public, unless the operator gets permission from either the event's permit holder or the City's Special Events Office. The same chapter separately bars commercial drone takeoff, landing, or operation within 25 feet of any person without consent. The restrictions apply only to commercial/business flights; recreational model-aircraft use and press activity are exempt under § 15.190.050.
Violations & Fines
Fine of $100 to $500 per violation; the Police Department may cite, seize, and impound the drone as an emergency removal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this ban apply to a hobbyist flying a drone for fun near an event?
How can a business legally fly a drone over a permitted St. Louis event?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in St. Louis
Compare St. Louis to another location·View the Missouri drone rules overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.