Pittsburg, CA Drone Rules: Recreational Drones (2026)

While airspace is federally preempted, drone-related privacy and nuisance conduct is governed by state civil and criminal law applicable in Pittsburg. California Civil Code §1708.8 (as amended by AB 856, 2015) establishes the torts of physical and constructive invasion of privacy, expressly covering unmanned aircraft: a person is liable when they knowingly enter the airspace above the land of another without permission to capture any type of visual image, sound recording, or other physical impression of the plaintiff engaging in a private, personal, or familial activity, in a manner offensive to a reasonable person. Damages include up to three times the actual damages, punitive damages, disgorgement of proceeds, and a civil fine of $5,000 to $50,000. California Penal Code §647(j)(1) makes it a misdemeanor to use a device to view the interior of a bedroom, bathroom, changing room, or similar private area, and §647(j)(4) criminalizes distribution of such images. Harassment by drone can also violate Penal Code §§646.9 (stalking) and 647.6 (annoyance of minors). Civilly, drone flights low over a backyard may support nuisance or trespass claims under California common law. Pittsburg's own park ordinance restricts launching/landing drones from city parks absent a special use permit, and drones cannot be operated in a manner that endangers people at city facilities. Additionally, FAA rules (Part 107.39) prohibit flight directly over non-participants without a waiver. Victims should document the flight (photos, Remote ID reader data) and report to Pittsburg PD or file a civil suit.