Recreational drone pilots in Elk Grove must follow FAA rules including TRUST certification, Remote ID, and registration for drones over 250g. Elk Grove is within Sacramento Mather (MHR) Class D airspace near SMF Class C airspace — LAANC authorization may be required before flight.
The FAA preempts most drone regulation under 49 USC §40103. Recreational flyers must: pass the TRUST (The Recreational UAS Safety Test); register drones over 0.55 lbs (250g) with the FAA; broadcast Remote ID; fly under 400 feet AGL; stay within visual line of sight; yield to manned aircraft; avoid over people and moving vehicles. Elk Grove sits under the Sacramento airspace system — southwestern Elk Grove can fall under SMF (Sacramento International) Class C airspace where LAANC authorization is required. Mather (MHR) and Executive (SAC) airports are also nearby. Use the B4UFLY app to check airspace. California Penal Code §402(b) prohibits drones that interfere with emergency operations. City parks (Cosumnes CSD) may have additional restrictions on drone takeoff/landing from park property.
FAA violations: civil penalties up to $27,500. Unauthorized controlled-airspace flight: FAA enforcement. Interfering with emergency ops (CA PC §402(b)): misdemeanor, up to $1,000 fine and 6 months jail.
Elk Grove, CA
Construction in Elk Grove is permitted 7 AM to 7 PM Monday through Saturday, with no construction allowed Sundays or legal holidays without a special permit ...
Elk Grove, CA
Commercial businesses in Elk Grove must keep noise from loading, HVAC, trash compactors, and deliveries within dBA limits at adjacent residential property li...
Elk Grove, CA
Elk Grove Municipal Code Title 4 establishes nighttime quiet hours from 10 PM to 7 AM weekdays and 10 PM to 8 AM weekends. Disturbing noise audible at proper...
Elk Grove, CA
Elk Grove lies under arrival and departure paths for Sacramento International Airport (SMF) and Mather Airport. Aircraft noise is federally preempted under F...
Elk Grove, CA
Elk Grove allows wood, vinyl, masonry, and wrought iron fencing in residential zones. Chain link is restricted in front yards and along arterial streets, and...
Elk Grove, CA
California Civil Code section 841 (Good Neighbor Fence Act) presumes shared cost and maintenance of boundary fences between Elk Grove neighbors. 30 days writ...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Sacramento County.
See how other cities in Sacramento County handle recreational drones.
See how Elk Grove's recreational drones rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.