Yorba Linda, CA Drone Rules: Event Drone Restrictions (2026)

Yorba Linda Municipal Code Chapter 8.52, adopted by Ordinance 2017-1047, sets local drone limits layered on top of FAA rules. Section 8.52.030(A) lists six circumstances where takeoff or landing is banned outright, and the fourth bars flying within 500 feet of "any special event or any emergency response" without prior Community Development Director approval through a temporary use permit. The code defines "special event" in Section 8.52.020 as any event in a public park, open-air facility, private property, or commercial or industrial facility that is open to the public and intended to draw a crowd, expressly naming sporting events, concerts, festivals and farmer's markets as examples, so the buffer covers everything from a Town Center farmer's market to a Fourth of July gathering at a City park.

The same subsection separately bars flying outside the operator's visual line of sight, within 25 feet of another person, over private property without the owner's consent, with any weapon attached, or in violation of an FAA Temporary Flight Restriction or Notice to Airmen; Section 8.52.030(B) also bans reckless takeoffs or landings that create a substantial risk of injury or property damage. Section 8.52.040 exempts public safety agencies operating UAS lawfully. Because Chapter 8.52 does not set its own fine, a violation falls under the citywide general penalty in Section 1.12.010: a fine up to $1,000, up to six months in jail, or both, though the City Attorney may instead charge it as an infraction, and each day a violation continues is a separate offense.

Operators wanting to fly near a permitted event should apply for the temporary use permit through Community Development before the event, not after a Sheriff's deputy is called.