Costa Mesa, CA Drone Rules: Recreational Drones (2026)

Recreational drone use in Costa Mesa is regulated by federal aviation rules and local park ordinances. Under FAA rules, all recreational drones weighing between 0.55 and 55 pounds must be registered with the FAA, and operators must pass the TRUST (The Recreational UAS Safety Test) exam. Pilots must fly below 400 feet above ground level, maintain visual line of sight at all times, and never fly over people, moving vehicles, or near emergency response operations. Costa Mesa sits approximately 3 miles from John Wayne Airport (SNA), and much of the city falls within the airport's Class C controlled airspace. Recreational drone operators must obtain authorization through the FAA's LAANC (Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability) system before flying in controlled airspace. LAANC provides near-real-time authorization through compatible apps. Some areas near the airport may have altitude ceilings as low as 0 feet, effectively prohibiting drone flight. Costa Mesa city parks generally prohibit drone takeoff and landing without prior written approval from the Parks and Community Services Division at (714) 754-5300. The OC Fairgrounds during non-event periods may have separate policies. Flying drones near the Fairview Park nature preserve raises additional wildlife disturbance concerns. Operators should avoid flying over private property at altitudes that could constitute invasion of privacy.