Suffolk has no local recreational drone ordinance. Virginia Code § 15.2-926.3 bars localities from regulating drone use, so FAA rules govern: register drones over 0.55 lb, fly under 400 feet, and avoid airports.
Virginia preempts local drone regulation. Under Code of Virginia § 15.2-926.3, no political subdivision may regulate the use of a privately owned unmanned aircraft system within its boundaries, so Suffolk has no recreational drone ordinance. Recreational pilots follow FAA rules: register drones weighing 0.55 pounds or more, pass the free TRUST safety test, keep the aircraft below 400 feet and within visual line of sight, and stay clear of Suffolk Executive Airport and Norfolk-area controlled airspace. A locality may only regulate takeoff and landing on government-owned property.
No local penalties apply, because Suffolk is barred from regulating drone flight. The FAA enforces federal registration and operating rules, and violations can carry federal civil and criminal penalties.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
suffolk-va
Suffolk does not regulate holiday decorations or lights, and no permit is required. The UDO's sign rules reach a display only if it carries a message and cou...
suffolk-va
Suffolk treats garage-sale signs as temporary yard signs: no permit needed, up to 8 square feet and 4 feet tall on residential property. Signs may not be pla...
suffolk-va
Suffolk regulates political signs as content-neutral temporary yard signs with no permit. In residential districts a yard sign may be up to 8 square feet and...
suffolk-va
Suffolk runs a rental inspection district program. In about 30 named neighborhoods, every residential rental unit needs a city certificate of occupancy after...
suffolk-va
Suffolk has no just-cause eviction ordinance. Under the VRLTA a landlord may end a month-to-month tenancy without giving a reason on 30 days' written notice....
suffolk-va
Suffolk has no rent control, and it cannot adopt one. Virginia is a Dillon's Rule state that grants no locality power to cap rent, so landlords set market ra...
See how Suffolk'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 If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.