Anaheim, CA Drone Rules: Recreational Drones (2026)

Anaheim Municipal Code Section 6.43.020.020 sets baseline rules for any 'Model Aircraft' (hobby or recreational drone) or Civil UAS flown in the city: it is unlawful to fly higher than 400 feet above ground level (.0203), to operate outdoors outside daylight hours between official sunrise and sunset (.0204), or to fly beyond the operator's own unaided visual line of sight, meaning corrective lenses are fine but binoculars, night vision, first-person-view goggles or a helper spotter do not count (.0208). Drones must give way to manned aircraft and cannot enter controlled airport airspace without tower authorization (.0201-.0202).

Flying over moving vehicles or unprotected persons, across a street with more than two lanes, or within 100 feet of anyone other than the operator or their helper is barred (.0205), as is flying within 1,000 feet of water or electric utility infrastructure without the owner's consent, or within 100 feet of overhead power lines (.0206). Operating while under the influence of alcohol or drugs (.0207), operating from inside a moving vehicle (.0208), or flying recklessly by the same standard as FAA Rule 91.13 (.0209) are all separately barred.

Section 6.43.020.010 adds hobby-specific limits: no interfering with police or fire operations, no equipment on the aircraft beyond a camera or recording device, and no hovering over private property without the owner's or tenant's permission. Section 6.43.020.040 exempts operations the FAA has separately authorized.