Recreational drone flights in Sunnyvale are governed by FAA regulations with additional local rules prohibiting takeoff and landing in city parks without a permit.
Recreational drone operation in Sunnyvale is primarily regulated by the Federal Aviation Administration under 14 CFR Part 107 and the Recreational Flyer rules (USC 44809). Operators must register drones weighing over 250 grams with the FAA, fly below 400 feet above ground level, maintain visual line of sight, stay clear of other aircraft, and pass the TRUST safety test. Sunnyvale is near Moffett Federal Airfield and San Jose International Airport, which means large portions of the city fall within controlled airspace where LAANC authorization is required to fly. Sunnyvale Parks and Recreation prohibits takeoff and landing of drones in city parks without a special event permit (Sunnyvale Municipal Code Chapter 13.08). Drones cannot be flown over crowds, emergency response scenes, or in a reckless manner that endangers persons or property under California Penal Code provisions.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Santa Clara County.
See how other cities in Santa Clara County handle recreational drones.
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