The City of Sonoma adopted a new drone ordinance in July 2025 setting local time-place-manner rules for unmanned aircraft. Recreational operators must also register with the FAA, pass the TRUST test, and follow 49 U.S.C. §44809 limits on hobby use; airspace itself is federally regulated and cannot be overridden by the city.
Local rules: On July 16, 2025, the Sonoma City Council unanimously approved a new drone ordinance (to be codified in the Sonoma Municipal Code) that applies to commercial, noncommercial, and professional drone use within the city. The ordinance requires operators to maintain a visual line of sight with the drone at all times, keep at least 25 feet from people who are not part of the operating crew or who have not consented, and prohibits attaching weapons to a drone or reckless flying. Takeoff and landing on private property requires the property owner's permission. The ordinance also creates buffer zones around sensitive sites: drones may not be flown within 100 feet of schools without permission, within 500 feet of certain government buildings (100 feet for others), within 500 feet of an active emergency incident, or 1,500 feet horizontally from other aircraft. Operations at festivals, parades, or other crowded public events require advance approval. Federal rules: Recreational ('hobbyist') flyers operating under 49 U.S.C. §44809 must (1) register the drone with the FAA if it weighs 0.55 lb (250 g) or more, (2) pass The Recreational UAS Safety Test (TRUST) and carry proof, (3) fly only within visual line of sight, (4) yield to crewed aircraft, (5) fly at or below 400 ft in uncontrolled (Class G) airspace, and (6) obtain LAANC authorization before flying in controlled airspace. Charles M. Schulz–Sonoma County Airport (STS) sits inside controlled airspace north of the city; the airport directs pilots to the FAA's 'Know Before You Fly' program for current restrictions and NOTAMs.
Violations of the City of Sonoma drone ordinance can be charged as a misdemeanor, and conduct that also violates federal aviation law is reported to the FAA for enforcement (which can include civil penalties or certificate action under 14 CFR Part 107 and §44809). Failure to register a drone with the FAA is subject to civil penalties up to $27,500 and criminal penalties up to $250,000 and/or three years' imprisonment under 49 U.S.C. §46306.
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