Recreational drone flight in Mountain View is governed primarily by FAA rules. Moffett Federal Airfield creates restricted airspace that requires authorization through LAANC for most of the city.
Recreational unmanned aircraft flights in Mountain View must comply with FAA recreational rules under 49 U.S.C. 44809, which requires registration for drones over 250 grams, operation below 400 feet, line of sight, daytime or twilight operation with anti-collision lighting at night, and passing The Recreational UAS Safety Test (TRUST). Much of Mountain View sits in controlled airspace near Moffett Federal Airfield (KNUQ), Palo Alto Airport (KPAO), and San Jose International (KSJC). Flying in controlled airspace requires airspace authorization via the LAANC system (the B4UFLY app or approved providers). Mountain View city parks and open-space preserves may further restrict or prohibit launching and landing drones without a permit; Shoreline at Mountain View generally prohibits drone operation without written authorization. California Civil Code 1708.8 also prohibits drone flights that invade privacy.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
Mountain View, CA
Mountain View prohibits disturbing noise between 10pm and 7am weekdays and 10pm to 8am weekends, with enforcement by police and code enforcement officers.
Mountain View, CA
Amplified music from speakers, DJs, and live bands requires compliance with decibel limits and quiet hours; Shoreline Amphitheatre operates under a separate ...
Mountain View, CA
Industrial and commercial properties in Mountain View must comply with stationary noise source limits measured at property lines, with conditions enforced th...
Mountain View, CA
Mountain View Chapter 21 sets specific decibel thresholds varying by zoning district and time of day, measured at property lines with standardized equipment.
Mountain View, CA
Mountain View requires EV charging infrastructure in new construction under CALGreen Tier 2. Residential EV installations follow expedited permitting per AB ...
Mountain View, CA
RVs, trailers, and boats in Mountain View cannot park on public streets over 72 hours and face Large Vehicle Ordinance limits. Residential storage must be on...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Santa Clara County.
See how other cities in Santa Clara County handle recreational drones.
See how Mountain View's recreational drones rules stack up against other locations.
Quick Compare
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.