Aliso Viejo, CA Drone Rules: Park Drone Restrictions (2026)

The City of Aliso Viejo regulates drones in two layers. Chapter 8.30 of the Aliso Viejo Municipal Code, titled Unmanned Aircraft Systems, applies citywide and defines a drone as any UAS. Section 11.12.030(P)(1) then states that all drones at the Aliso Viejo Ranch are subject to Chapter 8.30. Subsection (P)(2) bans possessing or operating any radio-controlled or other remotely operated model, toy or similar device at the Ranch, including cars, boats, rockets, airplanes or gliders, except as otherwise authorized by the city, and it says that ban does not cover drones.

The Ranch chapter is the only park chapter that uses the word drone. The general park rule in section 11.10.210 covers radio-controlled or other remotely operated models, toys and similar devices in a designated park except in areas the director designates, but it does not name drones, and section 11.12.020 says Chapter 11.10 does not apply to the Ranch. The text does not say whether a drone falls inside the phrase "similar device" in a general city park.

The Chapter 8.30 limits are specific. Under section 8.30.030 no person can take off or land a UAS within 25 feet of another individual other than the operator or the operator's designee, during permitted public events without written or electronic permission from the city, within 1,500 horizontal feet of any aircraft, or with a weapon attached. Section 8.30.050 adds 500 feet from any emergency vehicle running lights or sirens and from any active law enforcement or emergency response incident, 100 feet from a school facility without authorization from school officials, and 500 feet from county or city jails and law enforcement facilities. Operating a UAS within 10 feet of a person who is not participating is deemed harassing or intruding on privacy. Section 8.30.060 exempts public UAS and any UAS weighing less than 0.55 pounds.