Orange County, NY Drone Rules: Park Drone Restrictions (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing law
- Local Law No. 13 of 2001, § 4(p)
- Covers
- "Remote-controlled models" (includes recreational drones)
- Where allowed
- Only Commissioner-designated areas and times
- Hard limit
- Never if it risks striking another person
- Penalty
- Up to $500 fine or 90 days jail
Summary
Orange County restricts remote-controlled models, the closest category its parks law covers to recreational drones, to areas and times the Commissioner of Parks designates. Flying one anywhere that risks striking another park user is barred outright.
using or employing sporting equipment in any manner which poses a danger or threat to the quiet and peaceful enjoyment of the Parks or Park Facilities by any person, including but not limited to balls, clubs, sticks, racquets, frisbees, bats, remote-controlled models, hunting and fishing equipment, climbing gear; or otherwise propelling objects through the air or along the ground such as may pose the threat of striking another person or persons using the Parks or Park Facilities, or interfering with their right to quietly enjoy same; except in areas designated therefor and only at such time as permitted by Park rules and regulations.
Full Breakdown
' The controlling provision is Section 4, subsection p, of Local Law No. ' A recreational drone or remote-controlled aircraft falls squarely within 'remote-controlled models,' so it can only be flown in an area and at a time the Commissioner has designated for that use, and never in a manner that threatens to strike another visitor or interferes with anyone's peaceful enjoyment of the park. Section 3, paragraph 2, gives the Commissioner authority to set which areas, if any, permit remote-controlled model flying, and a current copy of those site-specific rules is kept at Parks Department headquarters, the County Executive's office and the Clerk of the Legislature.
Violations & Fines
Flying a drone or remote-controlled model outside a designated area, or in a way that threatens to strike another park user, violates Section 4(p). Section 6 makes it punishable by a fine of up to $500, up to 90 days in jail, or both, per violation, enforceable by any local, county or state police officer working the park.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I fly a drone in an Orange County park?
Does the county have a drone-specific ordinance?
What happens if I fly a drone where it's not allowed?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Orange County
New York rules heatmap·Compare Orange County to another location·View the New York drone rules overview
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