Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Regulation in California's Central Coast Region

Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), also known as drones, are unmanned, aerial systems which include the drone itself, a ground-based controller, and a system of communication between the units. The drone may be controlled directly by the operator or autonomously by onboard computers. The increase in hobby-drone ownership has prompted the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to require that all drones be registered (Special Rule for Model Aircraft (Public Law 112-95 Section 336)). Individual cities, state and national parks have created their own rulings due to concern over safety, privacy and wildlife disturbance.

General FAA Rules

• Fly below 400 feet and remain clear of surrounding obstacles
• Keep the aircraft within visual line of sight at all times
• Remain clear of and do not interfere with manned aircraft operations (emergency response, fire response, etc.)
• Do not fly within 5 miles of an airport unless you contact the airport and control tower and obtain permission before flying
• Do not fly near people or stadiums
• Do not fly in adverse weather conditions such as in high winds or reduced visibility
• Do not fly under the influence of alcohol or drugs
• Do not fly an aircraft that weighs more than 55 lbs
• Do not fly near or over sensitive infrastructure or property such as power stations, water treatment facilities, correctional facilities,heavily traveled roadways, etc.
• Do not be careless or reckless with your unmanned aircraft you could be fined for endangering people or other aircraft
• Do not conduct surveillance or photograph persons in areas where there is an expectation of privacy without the individual’s permission
• Check and follow all local laws and ordinances before flying over private property

Central Coast Laws

• It is illegal to launch or land a drone within a National Park (i.e. Pinnacles National Park).
• It is illegal to fly drones over the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary (high tide line to ~5 miles offshore).
• Santa Cruz District State Parks do not allow drone operation within their parks.
• Monterey District State Parks do allow drones within their parks, but not at Point Lobos, which is a State Marine Reserve.
• Commercial drone operators typically need a permit to do any filming for commercial purposes and must obtain a filming permit from the California Film Commission (CFC- http://film.ca.gov/state-permits/uas-filming-with-drones/).

City of Monterey

Lies within the five-mile radius around the Monterey Regional Airport, which requires drone operators obtain permission to fly from the

City of Pacific Grove

Pacific Grove Municipal Code 11.72.010 states "It is unlawful to launch or land an aircraft, including a helicopter, drone or other unmanned aircraft, without a permit". Drone operators may apply for a permit from the city offices. The permit says "Upon review of the application, other stipulations to the permit may apply. Please do not disturb the wildlife. Permits must be received within 3 working days. Annual permit fees are $80, daily permit fees are $20".

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