Pittsburgh, PA Drone Rules: Park Drone Restrictions (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- Pittsburgh Code § 473.04(f)
- Rule
- Drones/model aircraft banned in parks
- Exception
- Permitted under Chapter 492 film permits
- Penalty
- Up to $300 plus costs per offense
- Enforced by
- Parks and Recreation rangers/representatives
Summary
Pittsburgh bans operating drones and motorized model aircraft in or above any city park unless the flight complies with the Film Permit chapter and FAA regulations.
Model Airplanes and Drones. No person in a park shall operate a motorized model airplane, drone or any other mechanized or motorized devices within, above or in the vicinity thereof, unless such is conducted in compliance with City Code Chapter 492 ("Film Permits") and all applicable federal, state and local law, including but not limited to Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations.
(g) Horseback Riding. No person in a park shall ride a horse except on designated bridle trails. Where permitted, horses shall be thoroughly broken and properly restrained, and ridden with due care, and shall not be allowed to graze or go unattended, nor shall they be hitched to any rock, tree or shrub.
(h) (Reserved)
(i) Paragliding and Other Airborne Activities. No person within, above or in the vicinity of a park facility shall engage in paragliding, parasailing, skydiving or any other activity involving the airborne movement of persons.
(j) Unreasonable Interference With Movement or Service Capability of Police, Fire or Medical Services. Any activity that interferes with the movement or service capability of police, fire and/or other medical services may be prohibited within City park facilities at the discretion of the Director of Parks and Recreation or his/her designee and regardless of whether such activity requires a permit pursuant to Chapter 477 or any other chapter of the City Code.
Full Breakdown
Section 473.04(f) of the Pittsburgh Code prohibits operating a motorized model airplane, drone, or other mechanized or motorized device within, above, or near any city park, unless the flight complies with Chapter 492's Film Permit process and all applicable federal, state, and local law, including FAA rules. Park rangers and other Parks and Recreation Department representatives enforce this chapter and issue citations under Code Section 101.09, the citywide penalty and nuisance provision, which sets a base fine of up to $300 plus costs per offense.
Violations & Fines
Violating the park drone rule brings a citation under Section 101.09: up to $300 plus costs per offense, with each day of continued violation treated as a separate offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I fly a drone in a Pittsburgh city park?
What happens if I fly a drone in a Pittsburgh park anyway?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Pittsburgh
Compare Pittsburgh to another location·View the Pennsylvania drone rules overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.