Recreational drones in Palo Alto must follow FAA rules including registration for drones over 0.55 lbs and Remote ID. Launches are prohibited in city parks and preserves without a permit.
Recreational drone flight in Palo Alto is governed primarily by federal aviation law. The Federal Aviation Administration requires recreational pilots to register drones weighing 0.55 pounds or more, to pass the TRUST (The Recreational UAS Safety Test), to fly below 400 feet, to maintain visual line of sight, to avoid flying over people or moving vehicles, and to comply with the Remote ID rule effective March 2024. Drones must stay clear of Palo Alto Airport (PAO) and the Class D airspace around Moffett Federal Airfield (NUQ) without prior authorization through LAANC. Locally, Palo Alto prohibits launching, landing, or operating drones in city parks, preserves (including Foothills Nature Preserve and Baylands), and open space lands without a special permit, consistent with Chapter 22.04 park rules. Flying over private property in a manner that invades privacy may also trigger civil penalties under California Civil Code Section 1708.8. Contact Palo Alto Airport at (650) 856-7833 for airspace coordination.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
Palo Alto, CA
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Palo Alto, CA
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Palo Alto, CA
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Palo Alto, CA
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