Marin County, CA Drone Rules: Park Drone Restrictions (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- Open Space District Code § 02.02.080(D)
- Banned activity
- Operating drones, model aircraft, boats
- Penalty class
- Infraction, not a listed misdemeanor
- Who enforces
- Uniformed open space park rangers
- Citation authority
- Cal. Pub. Res. Code § 5560.1
- Exemptions
- Written permission from district general manager
Summary
Marin County Open Space District Code section 02.02.080 bars anyone from operating a drone, or any other self-propelled model aircraft, boat or vehicle, on land owned or managed by the Marin County Open Space District. The rule sits inside the district's list of banned games and activities and applies to every preserve and trail the district manages.
02.02.080 - Games and miscellaneous activities. No person shall engage in games or other activities which are reckless, exceed established speed limits, interfere with others using district lands, or endanger property, public safety or environmental resources. Non-permitted activities include: A.Participating in volleyball, baseball, softball, soccer, football and other similar organized sports;B.Participating in bicycle races;C.Hitting golf balls;D.Operating self-propelled model airplanes, drones, boats, automobiles or other model craft;E.Throwing, releasing or discharging missiles, rockets, stones, paintballs or other similar projectiles;F.Hang-gliding, paragliding or parachuting;G.Operating or landing aircraft of any nature;H.Skateboarding, roller skating, in-line skating or any similar activity
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Municipal Code: Supplement 2026 Update 1).
Full Breakdown
' Subsection D specifically names 'operating self-propelled model airplanes, drones, boats, automobiles or other model craft' as a banned activity, alongside organized team sports, bicycle races, hitting golf balls, hang-gliding and landing aircraft of any kind. 'District lands' means the preserves, ridgelines and open space that the Marin County Open Space District owns, maintains or manages under Public Resources Code section 5500, separate from the county's regional and community parks. 1 to issue citations for violations they witness on district land. 080(D) is not on that list, so a first drone violation is charged as an infraction rather than a misdemeanor. 090, so a permitted survey, research or emergency flight is possible, but recreational flying without that written permission is banned across every district preserve.
Violations & Fines
Flying a drone on Marin County Open Space District land is an infraction under Section 02.01.060, since Section 02.02.080(D) is not among the sections listed there as misdemeanors. A uniformed open space park ranger who witnesses the violation can issue a citation on the spot under Public Resources Code section 5560.1, and the district may also impound the drone under Section 02.01.080.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I fly a recreational drone at a Marin County Open Space preserve?
What penalty applies to flying a drone on district land?
Is there any way to get permission to fly a drone in Marin open space?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Marin County
California rules heatmap·Compare Marin County to another location·View the California drone rules overview
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