North Carolina General Statute 15A-300.1 and Chapter 63 Article 10 set statewide rules for unmanned aircraft, including a knowledge test, no-surveillance protections, and limits that preempt cities from imposing inconsistent recreational drone ordinances.
Recreational drone operators in NC must pass the state UAS knowledge test administered by the Department of Transportation Division of Aviation, in addition to FAA TRUST. State law bans using drones to conduct surveillance of a person or private property without consent and prohibits weaponizing drones. Operators may not photograph people on private property in ways that intrude on reasonable privacy expectations. Local governments cannot regulate flight altitude, paths, or pilot qualifications because those are preempted by state and federal law, though they may regulate takeoff and landing on city property.
Surveilling a person without consent, weaponizing a drone, flying without the state knowledge test, or interfering with manned aircraft can result in misdemeanor or felony charges.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
Wilmington, NC
Wilmington permits construction from 7 AM to 7 PM on weekdays and 8 AM to 5 PM on Saturdays. Sunday construction in residential areas is restricted.
Wilmington, NC
Wilmington regulates noise under Chapter 10, Article IV of the City Code. Unreasonable noise that disturbs the peace is prohibited with stricter enforcement ...
Wilmington, NC
Wilmington regulates RV and boat storage in residential areas. Vehicles must be stored properly and not create a nuisance.
Wilmington, NC
Wilmington regulates on-street parking through posted signs and general ordinances. Vehicles must be registered and may not remain in the same spot for exten...
Wilmington, NC
Wilmington restricts large commercial vehicles in residential zones. Semi-trucks and heavy equipment may not be stored in residential areas.
Wilmington, NC
Wilmington generally does not require building permits for standard residential fences up to 6 feet. Fences must comply with zoning requirements.
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