Philadelphia County lies entirely within Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) Class B airspace, requiring FAA LAANC authorization for all recreational drone flights. Local takeoff/landing in city parks is prohibited without permit per Phila. Code 10-611.
Philadelphia airspace is controlled Class B from the surface around PHL, extending across nearly all of the county. Recreational operators must comply with FAA Part 107 or the Exception for Recreational Flyers (49 U.S.C. 44809), which requires passing the TRUST test, FAA registration for drones over 250g, and obtaining airspace authorization via LAANC before any flight. Altitude ceilings in the LAANC grid are extremely low throughout Center City (often 0 to 100 feet). Philadelphia Parks and Recreation prohibits drone takeoff and landing in city parks without a filming permit under Phila. Code 10-611. Pennsylvania Act 78 of 2018 (18 Pa.C.S. 3505) criminalizes using drones to surveil private property or harass individuals. FAA drones must always yield to manned aircraft; PHL TRACON actively monitors for unauthorized operations.
Flying without LAANC in Class B: FAA civil penalty up to $27,500. Park takeoff without permit: $300 Phila. Code 10-611. Surveillance violation: misdemeanor under 18 Pa.C.S. 3505.
Philadelphia County, PA
Philadelphia Code Title 12 prohibits parking recreational vehicles, trailers, and boats on city streets for more than 24 hours. No overnight on-street RV par...
Philadelphia County, PA
Philadelphia Parking Authority (PPA) enforces on-street parking under Phila Code Title 12. Residential Permit Parking program covers 35+ neighborhoods. Meter...
Philadelphia County, PA
Philadelphia County permits residential recreational fire pits with restrictions. Fires must be in approved containers, small in size, use clean dry wood onl...
Philadelphia County, PA
Philadelphia County prohibits the discharge of consumer fireworks within most of the city due to density restrictions. PA Act 43 of 2017 legalized consumer f...
Philadelphia County, PA
Philadelphia County requires property owners to maintain lots free of accumulated combustible vegetation, weeds, and debris under the Philadelphia Property M...
Philadelphia County, PA
Philadelphia County prohibits open burning of yard waste, leaves, trash, and construction debris under the Philadelphia Air Management Code. Only small recre...
See how Philadelphia County's recreational drones rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.