San Benito County, CA Drone Rules: Recreational Drones (2026)
Key Facts
- County permit
- not required, non-commercial use
- Federal rules
- 14 C.F.R. pt. 101 & 107 apply
- Also exempt
- publicly owned/operated UAS
Summary
Flying a drone recreationally in unincorporated San Benito County needs no county zoning permit, but non-commercial pilots must still follow FAA rules under 14 C.F.R. parts 101 and 107.
The zoning requirement for UAS takeoff and landing facilities shall not apply to the non-commercial use of UAS, or to publicly owned and operated UAS. ... (C) Compliance with all applicable regulations. The takeoff, landing, and operation of all UAS must comply the Code of Federal Regulations defined in 14 C.F.R. pt. 101 and 14 C.F.R. pt. 107, as well as any UAS regulations administered by any state department of the State of California.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2025 S-28: current through Ordinance 1078).
Full Breakdown
San Benito County's zoning permit requirement for unmanned aircraft system takeoff and landing facilities does not apply to non-commercial UAS use or to publicly owned and operated UAS. That means recreational drone flying itself does not need a county land-use permit. All UAS operation, however, must still comply with the Code of Federal Regulations at 14 C.F.R. part 101 and part 107, plus any UAS rules from California state agencies. The county's stated intent is preserving resident health, safety, welfare, and privacy.
Violations & Fines
Recreational flying itself isn't cited locally, but violating FAA airspace or registration rules under 14 C.F.R. pt. 101/107 is a federal violation, not a county one.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a county permit to fly my drone as a hobby?
Are there still rules I must follow?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in San Benito County
California rules heatmap·Compare San Benito County to another location·View the California drone rules overview
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