Cherokee County, GA Drone Rules: Park Drone Restrictions (2026)

Section 42-55(a), added by Ord. No. 2019-O-005 and amended by Ord. No. 2020-O-002, makes it unlawful to start, take off, or land any fuel-powered, jet-type, or electric-powered model aircraft, boat, rocket, or similar powered toy or unmanned aerial system in a park or recreation facility, except at areas the county designates for that use and only under rules, regulations, and restrictions the director or the director's authorized agent establishes; any permission granted remains subject to all applicable FAA regulations. Subsection (b) separately covers manned "air vehicles," defined to include paramotors, ultralight aircraft, hot air balloons, airplanes, and paragliders, and bars anyone from making an ascent or descent, including parachute landings, on county-owned or county-operated property unless the activity is part of a county-sponsored event, authorized by a county permit, conducted by law enforcement or public safety personnel on official duty, or necessitated by an emergency landing.

Anyone operating a drone or remote-controlled aircraft from county property must also comply with all applicable federal, state, and local laws and guidelines under subsection (b)(2). The restriction sits alongside § 42-54, which separately requires written director authorization before using metal detectors or other detection devices for treasure hunting in a park.