San Diego County, CA Drone Rules: Park Drone Restrictions (2026)
Key Facts
- Section
- SEC. 41.130(d)
- Scope
- County parks, unincorporated area
- Requirement
- Written Department authorization
- Where allowed
- Department-designated areas only
- Penalty
- Misdemeanor under SEC. 41.107(a)
Summary
In unincorporated San Diego County parks, drones and other unmanned aircraft systems are banned outside areas the Parks Department specifically designates, and require written department authorization to fly there.
Use or operate any motorized model plane, model boat, model vehicle, drone, or unmanned aircraft system except in an area specifically designated by the Department for that use and with written authorization from the Department subject to all applicable State and Federal laws and regulations. (Amended by Ord. No. 6370 (N.S.), effective 7-8-82; amended by Ord. No. 8316 (N.S.), effective 11-25-93; amended by Ord. No. 8358 (N.S.), effective 3-17-94; amended by Ord. No. 9578 (N.S.), effective 8-8-03; amended by Ord. No. 9890 (N.S.), effective 10-26-07; amended by Ord. No. 10412 (N.S.), effective 2-26- 16; amended by Ord. No. 10823 (N.S.), effective 1-13-23)
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-141: Administrative: Current through Ord. No. 11007 (N.S.), effective 7-10-26 | Regulatory: Current through Ord. No. 11008 (N.S.), effective 7-24-26).
Full Breakdown
San Diego County Code § 41.130(d) bars flying or operating any drone, unmanned aircraft system, or motorized model plane, boat, or vehicle in a County park except in an area the Department of Parks and Recreation has specifically designated for that use, and even there a flyer needs written authorization from the Department. The rule sits within Title 4's park conduct chapter, alongside the county's bicycle, aircraft, and wheeled-device restrictions, and applies only to County-owned park land in unincorporated San Diego County -- not to the City of San Diego's own parks system.
Violations & Fines
Flying a drone under § 41.130(d) outside a designated area is a misdemeanor under § 41.107(a); only 41.130(b) and (c) are listed as infractions there, so (d) defaults to misdemeanor status.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I fly a drone in a San Diego County park?
What's the penalty for flying a drone in a county park without authorization?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in San Diego County
California rules heatmap·Compare San Diego County to another location·View the California drone rules overview
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