Atlantic County, NJ Drone Rules: Park Drone Restrictions (2026)
Key Facts
- Permitted areas
- Estell Manor Park North End Field, Softball Field only
- Permit fee
- $5 per calendar year
- Drone weight cap
- 20 lbs or less (Class I or smaller)
- Park flyer weight cap
- 2 lbs or less
- Max fine
- $500 plus 12-month flight ban
Summary
Atlantic County confines drone and park-flyer flights to two spots at Estell Manor County Park: the North End Field and the Softball Field. Flying anywhere else in the county park system is off-limits under § 97-132.1.
The operation of certain designated unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) which consist of park flyers and drones as hereinafter described shall be permitted in the following designated areas of the Estell Manor County Park: (1) Estell Manor Park North End Field; and (2) Estell Manor Park Softball Field. ... The operator must obtain a special use permit, which can be obtained from the Atlantic County Parks Division at a cost of $5 which will cover the calendar year.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4863463; v25 updated 2026-04-21; through 04-21-2026).
Full Breakdown
1, the operation of unmanned aerial vehicles is permitted only in designated areas of Estell Manor County Park: the North End Field and the Softball Field. The ordinance defines two classes covered by the rule: 'park flyers,' small electric-powered, radio-controlled aircraft weighing two pounds or less, and 'drones,' Class I or smaller unmanned aircraft weighing 20 pounds or less that are electrically operated by remote control or onboard computer. Both categories require a special use permit from the Atlantic County Parks Division, purchased for $5 to cover the calendar year; a specific designated area is assigned to the operator at the time of purchase, and flights are limited to posted park hours.
Drone operators must also hold a valid, current FAA registration for the aircraft. Anywhere else in the Atlantic County Parks System, including Lake Lenape, Gaskill Park, and the Public Range, this section does not authorize UAV flight at all. Enforcement falls to Atlantic County Park Rangers, and violations are prosecuted in the Municipal Court of the City of Estell Manor, where Estell Manor Park sits.
Violations & Fines
Any violation or failure to follow the § 97-132.1 conditions results in immediate cancellation of the operator's special use permit and can trigger a fine of up to $500, per the ordinance's enforcement note. A person adjudged guilty also forfeits the right to operate a UAV anywhere in the Atlantic County Park System for twelve months from the date of adjudication. Cases are heard in the Municipal Court of the City of Estell Manor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I fly a drone anywhere in Atlantic County's parks?
Do I need a permit to fly a drone at Estell Manor Park?
What happens if I violate the drone rules at Estell Manor Park?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Atlantic County
Compare Atlantic County to another location·View the New Jersey drone rules overview
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