Lincoln has not adopted a city-wide ordinance regulating recreational drones. Recreational flying is governed by federal FAA rules (49 U.S.C. §44809) and California state statutes. Pilots must pass the FAA TRUST exam, register drones over 0.55 lb, fly under 400 ft, keep visual line-of-sight, and avoid Lincoln Regional Airport (Karl Harder Field, KLHM) airspace without authorization.
A review of the Lincoln Municipal Code (hosted on Municode at library.municode.com/ca/lincoln) shows no dedicated chapter regulating unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) for recreational use. Lincoln operates its own general aviation airport — Lincoln Regional/Karl Harder Field (KLHM, see Title 20 'Lincoln Municipal Airport') — which means local airspace is sensitive but federally controlled. Under the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018 (49 U.S.C. §44809), recreational flyers must: (1) fly strictly for recreational purposes, (2) follow the safety guidelines of an FAA-recognized Community Based Organization (CBO) such as the AMA, (3) maintain visual line-of-sight, (4) yield right-of-way to manned aircraft, (5) stay at or below 400 ft AGL in Class G airspace, (6) obtain LAANC authorization in controlled airspace, (7) pass the FAA's free TRUST (The Recreational UAS Safety Test) and carry proof, and (8) register the aircraft with the FAA if it weighs more than 0.55 lb (250 g). California Civil Code §1708.8 (the anti-paparazzi statute, as amended by AB 856) imposes civil liability for using a drone to enter the airspace above land to capture images or recordings of a person engaged in a 'private, personal, or familial activity' without consent. California Penal Code §402 makes it a misdemeanor to interfere with first-responder emergency operations using a drone. KLHM is a non-towered (Class G/E) airport; recreational pilots near it must notify the airport operator before flying within 5 statute miles, per AMA guidelines.
FAA civil penalties for recreational violations can reach $27,500 per violation, with criminal penalties up to $250,000 and prison for willful or reckless conduct. Failure to register a drone is up to $1,100 civil / $250,000 criminal. Cal. Penal Code §402 first-responder interference is a misdemeanor (up to 6 months county jail and/or a $1,000 fine). Civil Code §1708.8 invasion-of-privacy actions allow up to three times actual damages plus punitive damages and attorney's fees, with a $5,000 statutory floor. Lincoln Police (916-645-4040) will refer airspace complaints to the FAA UAS hotline; reckless flight may be cited locally under Cal. Penal Code §415 (disturbing the peace).
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