San Francisco Recreation and Parks Commission prohibits drones in all city parks, recreation areas, and beaches under the SF Park Code and Commission Resolution. Golden Gate Park, Crissy Field (NPS), and Presidio are all closed to drone takeoff and landing. SFPD enforces the rule with citations starting at $192.
The San Francisco Recreation and Park Commission, by resolution and codified through the SF Park Code §3.12 and §4.10, prohibits the operation of unmanned aerial vehicles on or above any property under its jurisdiction. The 220+ parks include Golden Gate Park, Dolores Park, McLaren Park, and Lake Merced — all closed to drone takeoff and landing. Additionally, large adjacent open spaces — Crissy Field, Ocean Beach, Lands End, and the Presidio — fall under National Park Service jurisdiction (Golden Gate National Recreation Area), where federal law 36 CFR §2.17(a)(3) prohibits launching, landing, or operating drones. The federal ban carries up to a $5,000 fine and six months in jail. SF's prohibition derives from concerns about wildlife (raptor nesting in Golden Gate Park), crowd safety, and Class B SFO/OAK airspace covering most of the city. FAA preempts national airspace but cities regulate takeoff/landing on municipal property — see Singer v. Newton. The SF Film Commission may grant exemptions for permitted productions with FAA Part 107 operators.
SF Park Code violations carry administrative citations starting at $192 (first offense), $384 (second), and up to $1,000 for repeat violations. SFPD and Park Rangers may seize the aircraft. NPS federal violations on Crissy Field/Ocean Beach carry up to $5,000 fines and 6 months imprisonment under 36 CFR §1.3.
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