Recreational drone operation in Wake County is governed by federal FAA Part 107/recreational exception plus NC state law (NCGS §15A-300.1). Wake County does not prohibit drone flight in airspace but bans takeoff and landing in county parks without a special-use permit.
Federal law (49 U.S.C. §44809) and FAA rules preempt state and local regulation of airspace, but local governments retain control over takeoff and landing from county-owned land. Wake County Parks & Recreation prohibits drone takeoff or landing in any county park without a special-use permit. The City of Raleigh has similar rules for city parks. Drones must stay below 400 ft AGL, within visual line of sight, and away from temporary flight restrictions (e.g., during NC State football games). NC state law (NCGS §14-280.25) makes it a Class 1 misdemeanor to photograph another person on private property using a drone without consent.
Federal: FAA civil penalty up to $32,666 per violation. NC state: §14-280.25 Class 1 misdemeanor for unlawful surveillance — up to $1,000 fine + 120 days. Wake parks: special-use permit revocation.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
Wake County, NC
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Wake County, NC
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Wake County, NC
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Wake County, NC
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Wake County, NC
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