Cupertino, CA Drone Rules: Park Drone Restrictions (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- Municipal Code § 13.04.130
- Rule
- Drones allowed only where parks dept designates
- Penalty class
- Infraction under § 13.04.240
- First-offense fine
- Up to $100
- Enforcement
- Parks foreman, attendants, peace officers
Summary
Cupertino bars flying drones or powered model airplanes in any city park unless the department of parks and recreation has designated an area for the activity. The rule sits among the general park-conduct prohibitions in Municipal Code § 13.04.130, enforced by parks staff and peace officers, with violations charged as an infraction under Chapter 1.12.
No person in a park shall do any of the following: ... Use or allow the use of powered model airplanes or drones except in areas so designated by the department of parks and recreation;
Full Breakdown
020: any park, reservation, playground, swimming pool or recreation center owned or used by the city. Among more than a dozen restrictions on alcohol, fires, gambling, firearms and dog leashing, the section states that no person shall use or allow the use of powered model airplanes or drones except in areas so designated by the department of parks and recreation. The provision does not set a citywide drone ban; it confines drone flight to whatever locations the parks and recreation department has designated, and flying anywhere else in a park is prohibited.
The same chapter's later amendments, Ord. 24-2267 in 2024 and Ord. 130 without altering the drone clause. 230, which gives the parks foreman, park attendants and any peace officer authorized by the city responsibility for citing violations. 12: up to $100 for a first offense, $200 for a second violation of the same rule within a year, and $500 for each later repeat, with a possible misdemeanor charge, up to $1,000 or six months in jail, after four infractions on the same provision within one year.
Violations & Fines
Flying a drone or powered model airplane outside a designated area of a Cupertino park violates § 13.04.130 and is an infraction under § 13.04.240. Fines run up to $100 for a first offense, $200 for a repeat within a year and $500 for each further repeat, escalating to a misdemeanor, up to $1,000, six months, or both, after four infractions on the same rule in one year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I fly a drone in any Cupertino park?
What happens if I fly a drone in a restricted park area?
Does Cupertino designate specific drone-flying areas in its parks?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Cupertino
California rules heatmap·Compare Cupertino to another location·View the California drone rules overview
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