San Rafael, CA Drone Rules: Park Drone Restrictions (2026)
Key Facts
- Covered devices
- Drones, model planes, RC vehicles
- Default rule
- Prohibited in parks and buildings
- Exception
- Designated area or written permission
- Permission from
- City manager
Summary
Operating a drone in any San Rafael park or building is prohibited unless it's within an area specifically designated for that use or the operator has written permission from the city manager.
No person shall operate any airborne, waterborne, land borne model or remote-controlled plane, any rocket or missile, or any vessel or vehicle, whether such plane, rocket, missile, drone, vessel or vehicle uses an internal combustion engine or is propelled/operated otherwise, within any park, building or portion thereof except in those areas as may be specifically designated for such purpose or with the written permission of the city manager.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 37).
Full Breakdown
SRMC § 19.20.080.L bars operating any drone, along with model or remote-controlled planes, rockets, missiles, or similar craft, in a San Rafael park or building, whether or not the device uses an internal combustion engine. The default is a citywide ban; the only ways around it are flying within an area the city manager has specifically designated for that purpose, or getting the city manager's written permission in advance. The rule sits in the same 'Prohibited Activities' section as bans on golfing, gambling, and unpermitted commercial activity in parks.
Violations & Fines
Flying a drone in a San Rafael park outside a designated area and without city manager permission violates § 19.20.080.L and is enforceable as a public nuisance under SRMC § 19.20.110.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I fly a drone at a designated field in a San Rafael park?
Does this rule apply to all city parks?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in San Rafael
California rules heatmap·Compare San Rafael to another location·View the California drone rules overview
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