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Alexandria, VA Drone Rules: Recreational Drones (2026)

Heavy Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Recreational Use
Prohibited
FRZ Radius
15 mi from DCA
Authorization
FAA waiver required
City Support
Extremely rare

Summary

Alexandria sits inside the FAA's Washington DC Special Flight Rules Area (SFRA) and Flight Restricted Zone (FRZ) around Reagan National (DCA). Recreational drone flights are prohibited under any circumstances; all UAS operations require federal authorization.

15.2-926.3 . Local regulation of certain aircraft. A. No political subdivision may regulate the use of a privately owned, unmanned aircraft system as defined in § 19.2-60.1 within its boundaries. B. Notwithstanding the prohibition of subsection A, a political subdivision may, by ordinance or regulation, regulate the take-off and landing of an unmanned aircraft, as defined in § 19.2-60.1 , on property owned by the political subdivision. Such ordinance or regulation shall be developed and authorized in accordance with the rules and regulations promulgated by the Department of Aviation (the Department). Such rules and regulations shall be in accordance with federal rules and regulations and shall include a process for adoption of an ordinance or regulation, exemptions to the ordinance or regu

Source: Alexandria, VA Code of OrdinancesView official code

Full Breakdown

Alexandria lies within the Washington DC SFRA, a 30-mile radius around Reagan National Airport (DCA), and within its 15-mile inner ring (the FRZ. Flight Restricted Zone). The FRZ is designated a No Drone Zone by the FAA. UAS operations within the inner 15-mile ring are prohibited without specific FAA authorization, and recreational drone flights are not permitted under any circumstances. Local government support from the City of Alexandria is required to obtain FAA waivers; the City reviews drone applications case-by-case (generally only for large economic-development projects) and notes that City support is extremely rare.

Violations & Fines

Unauthorized drone operation in the FRZ can trigger FAA enforcement actions including civil penalties and criminal referral, plus potential interception by federal security agencies.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fly my drone recreationally in Alexandria?
No. Alexandria sits inside the FAA's Flight Restricted Zone (FRZ) around Reagan National Airport. Recreational drone flights are prohibited under any circumstances. All UAS operations require specific FAA authorization.
What about commercial drone work?
Commercial operators must obtain FAA waivers, which require local government support letters from the City of Alexandria. The City reviews these case-by-case, generally only for large economic-development projects. Approvals are extremely rare.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Alexandria

Fence Regulations: Height LimitsSome RestrictionsParking Rules: RV & Boat ParkingSignificant RestrictionsParking Rules: Driveway RulesSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Retaining WallsSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Pet Groomer RulesSome RestrictionsLandscaping Rules: Tree Removal & Heritage TreesSome Restrictions

All Alexandria rules

Compare Alexandria to another location·View the Virginia drone rules overview

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