Peoria, AZ Drone Rules: Park Drone Restrictions (2026)

City Code Sec. 7-75 (Ord. No. 2017-26, § 58, adopted 6-13-17) governs every remotely controlled or model aircraft, UAV and UAS flown on Peoria park and preserve property. A person may operate a remotely controlled or model aircraft only in a park or preserve designated by the Director of Community Services Department (or designee) as an Operations Site, and that site must be unobstructed and at least 400 feet on all sides, meaning level, open ground free of trees, structures, sports-field lighting, or fences eight feet or higher, and fully accessible to retrieve a downed aircraft.

All aircraft covered by the section, whether hobby model aircraft, a UAV, or a UAS, must stay within the operator's unaided visual line of sight for the entire flight and may only fly during daylight; night flight is barred outright, though flight during civil twilight (30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset) is allowed with anti-collision lighting. § 13-3729, interfere with law enforcement, fire, or emergency operations, or fly in furtherance of any code violation or criminal offense. Children age 17 or younger must be accompanied by an adult while operating.

20 cubic-inch engines, 60-inch wingspans, three-pound electric models, 40-inch helicopters, or three-pound gliders, may only fly at a developed site with spectator control fencing, established runways or flying circles, and safety barriers. The City recognizes the Academy of Model Aeronautics Safety Code as an appropriate operating standard on top of these local rules. The section excludes UAV/UAS use tied to park maintenance or construction under City agreements, public unmanned aircraft operated by a government agency, and law-enforcement operation for any lawful purpose including search and rescue.