Houston Parks and Recreation Department prohibits drone operation in city parks without a special-use permit under the Houston Parks Ordinance. Memorial Park, Hermann Park, and Buffalo Bayou Park all post no-drone rules. Texas state law (Govt Code §423) supplements with restrictions over critical infrastructure and crowds.
Houston Parks and Recreation Department rules, adopted under the Houston Code of Ordinances Chapter 32 (Parks), prohibit the operation of model aircraft and drones in city parks without prior written approval from the Director. Major parks — Memorial Park (1,400+ acres), Hermann Park, Discovery Green, and Buffalo Bayou Park (managed by the nonprofit Buffalo Bayou Partnership under a Parks Department agreement) — have posted no-drone signs. The rule covers takeoff, landing, and operation on park property. The FAA preempts national airspace but the city lawfully regulates use of park grounds. Houston is overlapped by IAH (George Bush) and HOU (Hobby) Class B airspace, requiring FAA LAANC authorization for nearly all of central Houston. Texas Government Code §423.0046 makes it a Class B misdemeanor to operate a drone over a sports venue with 30,000+ seats (NRG Stadium, Minute Maid Park) during events. Stadium TFRs add a 3-nautical-mile no-fly zone during NFL, MLB, and major concerts.
Houston parks violations are punishable by fines up to $500 per offense under Chapter 32. Texas state crowd/stadium drone violations under Govt Code §423.0046 are Class B misdemeanors with up to 180 days jail and $2,000 fines. FAA civil penalties for TFR breaches can reach $32,666.
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