Recreational drones in Santa Clara County are governed by FAA 14 CFR Part 107 and recreational rules, with restrictions near airports, parks, and the Lick Observatory.
Recreational drone operators in Santa Clara County must comply with FAA rules under 14 CFR Part 107 for commercial flights and the Recreational Flyer exception (49 USC 44809) for hobby use. All drones over 0.55 pounds must be registered with the FAA, and pilots must pass the TRUST test (free online). Flights must remain below 400 feet altitude, within visual line of sight, during daylight or civil twilight with anti-collision lighting, and away from other aircraft. Santa Clara County has extensive Class B, C, and D airspace around Mineta San Jose International (KSJC), Palo Alto Airport (KPAO), Reid-Hillview (KRHV), Moffett Federal Airfield (KNUQ), and South County Airport (KE16), all requiring LAANC authorization via the FAA B4UFLY app before flight. California Civil Code 1708.8 prohibits drone use that invades reasonable expectations of privacy, and Penal Code 402 prohibits interfering with emergency responders. Santa Clara County Parks prohibits drone takeoff and landing in county parks without a film or event permit. Lick Observatory, SLAC, and other sensitive facilities have restricted airspace.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
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