Peoria, AZ Drone Rules: Recreational Drones (2026)

Section 7-75 covers hobby and recreational operation of remotely controlled or model aircraft, UAVs, and UASs within Peoria, defining a qualifying hobby aircraft as one flown within visual line of sight, for recreation only, weighing no more than 55 pounds, and consistent with the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012. § 13-3729, or law-enforcement drones used for search and rescue or other lawful purposes. Every flight has to stay within the pilot's unaided visual line of sight, limited to daylight hours or civil twilight, defined as 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset, with anti-collision lighting required during that twilight window.

Recreational flights are further confined to a City-designated Operations Site inside a park or preserve; those sites must be unobstructed and at least 400 feet on every side, meaning open, level ground free of trees, structures, sports-field lighting, or fences eight feet or taller. Children 17 and younger must be accompanied by an adult while flying. The City recognizes the Academy of Model Aeronautics Safety Code as an appropriate way to operate within its parks, on top of the City's own rules. § 28-8280, while other violations of the section draw a civil sanction of up to $500 per day, with each calendar day treated as a separate violation.