Anoka County, MN Drone Rules: Recreational Drones (2026)

Chapter IV, Section 9 of the Amended and Restated Park Ordinance No. 2018-1 stands apart from the general aviation ban in Section 5: it specifically targets recreational and hobby equipment, making it unlawful to start, fly, or use any powered model aircraft, unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) or drone, model boat, model car, or rocket or like-powered toy or model in a county park without a Permit. The ordinance's definition of UAV, an aircraft without a human pilot aboard operated by a ground-based or programmed controller, covers everything from an inexpensive toy quadcopter bought for a birthday to a hobbyist's racing drone.

Because the section names model boats and model cars alongside drones, a remote-control boat launched on a park pond or a gas-powered RC car run on a park trail needs the same Permit as a drone flight. Permits are issued through the Parks Department's Director or designee under the county's general special-use Permit procedure, which can restrict the hours, location, and conditions of use. Anoka County Sheriff's deputies, local police, and Park Services Manager staff enforce the rule and can eject an unpermitted operator from the park immediately.