Newton, MA Drone Rules: Recreational Drones (2026)

Section 20-64, adopted by Ordinance No. A-97 on December 19, 2016, and amended twice since (Ordinance No. B-10, April 2, 2018, and Ordinance No. B-53, March 2, 2020), regulates 'pilotless aircraft,' defined as an unmanned, powered aerial vehicle weighing less than 55 pounds operated by remote control or internally, commonly called a drone. The ordinance states its own purpose is to protect privacy, safety and quality of life while avoiding conflict with FAA rules, and it lists specific operating prohibitions in subsection (c)(1): flying in a way that directly interferes with another's use of their property; interfering with manned aircraft; reckless, careless or negligent operation; launching or landing on city property without the required permit; conducting surveillance unless expressly permitted by law or court order; capturing a person's image or audio where they have a reasonable expectation of privacy; flying over emergency response efforts; harassing, annoying or assaulting a person or creating a nuisance or trespass; violating an FAA Certificate of Waiver or Authorization; or violating any other federal, state or city law.

The Chief of Police, or a designee, can also prohibit drone use during an emergency or where it would threaten public safety, or conversely allow it where normally barred. Operators subject to FAA registration must show proof of registration or any required FAA waiver to city personnel on request, and every drone flight in Newton must also comply with the city's separate noise ordinance at Section 20-13.