Jefferson County, MO Drone Rules: Park Drone Restrictions (2026)

080(S) of the Article III park regulations, part of the same 2009-era Ordinance No. 09-0347 framework as amended through Ordinance No. 26-0207, treats drones as 'model aircraft' under its Radio-Controlled (RC) Vehicles/Model Vehicles rule. It bars flying model aircraft/drones, or operating other model vehicles with internal combustion engines, in any Jefferson County-owned, -maintained or -controlled park, with one named exception: River Bend Park at 6950 River Bend Drive in Eureka, Missouri, where such devices remain allowed. Outside River Bend Park, the only way to fly a drone in a county park is a special-use permit, which enthusiasts, photographers, schools or similar persons or entities may request specifically for taking portraits, group photos or conducting photography projects; the Director of Parks and Recreation decides whether to grant it and can issue it on a per-diem or annual basis at the Director's discretion.

The rule carves out two further exceptions. S. Army Corps of Engineers and Missouri Department of Natural Resources are named specifically, to get a County special-use permit before flying drones on County-controlled park land in the course of their own government business. And it does not restrict slow-moving, battery-operated, radio-controlled, ground-based devices or watercraft, so remote-control boats and ground vehicles are not covered by the airspace restriction at all. Violations of the park regulations chapter are enforced by Parks and Recreation staff and Jefferson County Sheriff's Office peace officers.