Yolo County, CA Drone Rules: Recreational Drones (2026)
Key Facts
- Weight limit
- Under 55 pounds
- Federal rule cited
- 49 U.S.C. Section 44809
- State rule cited
- Cal. Civil Code Sec. 1708.8
- Also subject to
- FAA rules and regulations
- Governing section
- Sec. 9-3.220, Drones and Unmanned Aircraft
- Violation class
- Infraction under Sec. 9-3.202
Summary
Yolo County lets hobbyists fly drones under 55 pounds in county parks as long as they follow 49 U.S.C. 44809, California Civil Code Section 1708.8, and FAA rules. Sec. 9-3.220 defines a covered drone the same way, as an unmanned aircraft system weighing under 55 pounds with no onboard pilot.
Small drones less than 55 pounds can be flown recreationally when following 49 USC 44809, and is subject to California Civil Code Section 1708.8, and the Federal Aviation Administration rules and regulations.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-21: Supplement 2026 S-21 includes: Local legislation current through Ord. 1584, effective June 25, 2026).
Full Breakdown
Sec. 220 ties recreational drone flying in Yolo County parks directly to federal and state law rather than setting its own weight or altitude ceiling beyond the 55-pound federal threshold. C. 8 (the state's anti-paparazzi/trespass-by-drone statute) and to Federal Aviation Administration rules and regulations generally. Sec. 102(e) defines a 'drone' for the whole parks chapter as a small, unmanned aircraft system weighing under 55 pounds, as defined by the FAA, operated without the possibility of direct human intervention from within or on the aircraft. Recreational use is the default allowed activity in a park under Sec.
220 unless the Director has posted a prohibition at that specific park, but even a compliant recreational flight cannot become a nuisance to other visitors or to wildlife. This provision was adopted as part of the county parks ordinance, Ord. 1581, effective December 18, 2025.
Violations & Fines
Recreational flying that does not follow 49 U.S.C. 44809, that violates California Civil Code Section 1708.8, that ignores FAA rules, or that becomes a nuisance under Sec. 9-3.220 is a violation of the parks chapter and an infraction under Sec. 9-3.202, punishable under Government Code Section 25132, enforceable by the Sheriff's Office under Sec. 9-3.201.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size drone can I fly recreationally in a Yolo County park?
Does California's anti-drone-surveillance law apply in Yolo County parks?
Can I fly a drone in any Yolo County park without checking first?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Yolo County
California rules heatmap·Compare Yolo County to another location·View the California drone rules overview
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