Chandler, AZ Drone Rules: Recreational Drones (2026)

Subsection A applies to every model aircraft and civil unmanned aircraft flown in Chandler. Two operations are unlawful: one that federal law or Federal Aviation Administration regulations prohibit, and one that interferes with a law enforcement, firefighter or emergency services operation. Under subsection H, a "model aircraft" is an unmanned aircraft that is capable of sustained flight in the atmosphere, is flown within the visual line of sight of the person operating it, and is flown for hobby or recreational purposes.

Subsection D is the rule written for hobby pilots. It is unlawful to intentionally photograph or loiter 200 feet or less above a property when the operator flies for hobby or recreational purposes and knows or reasonably should know that four things are true: the property is not zoned for residential use; it is used to instruct kindergarten and grade one through twelve students while school is in session, or while school activities are occurring outside normal hours; the owner or a person with lawful control has posted reasonable notice prohibiting entry on or over the property; and a peace officer, the owner or the person in control has asked the operator to leave. All four must apply, so a hobby flight over a school campus that nobody has posted or asked the pilot to leave does not meet subsection D. Subsection F removes the offense for a person with legal authority or administrative oversight over the property, or one who obtains consent from such a person.

Two other subsections reach drones flown near events and sensitive sites. Subsection C covers a civil unmanned aircraft, meaning one flown for any purpose other than strictly hobby or recreational use, within 5,280 feet of or 5,280 feet above a ticketed entertainment event. Subsection B bars using a drone to intentionally photograph or loiter over or near a critical facility in the furtherance of any criminal offense. The critical facility list in subsection H includes refineries, water and wastewater treatment facilities, electrical substations, railroad infrastructure, courts, jails and prisons, military installations, and hospitals that receive air ambulance services.

Subsection E exempts operators the FAA has authorized, as long as they comply with that authorization or FAA rules, and first responders or government employees acting in their official capacity.