Atlanta, Georgia Drone Laws

Overview

Atlanta is located in Georgia. Drone operations are governed by federal FAA regulations (14 CFR Part 107) and may be subject to state and local ordinances.

State Regulations & Statutes

Georgia allows recreational and commercial drone flying under federal FAA rules. O.C.G.A. § 16-11-62 makes it a crime to use a device, including a drone, to observe or photograph a person without their consent. O.C.G.A. § 16-7-21 (criminal trespass) applies to unauthorized drone flight over private property. Georgia DNR prohibits drones in state parks and wildlife management areas without a written permit. Commercial operators must hold an FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate.

Applicable Statutes & Penal Codes

• O.C.G.A. § 16-11-62: Criminal to use drone to observe or photograph person without consent
• O.C.G.A. § 16-7-21: Criminal trespass — unauthorized drone flight over private property is a misdemeanor
• Georgia DNR: Drones prohibited in all state parks and WMAs without written DNR permit
• FAA Part 107 governs all commercial operations; Remote Pilot Certificate required
• Atlanta Class B airspace (KATL): LAANC authorization required for virtually all flights in the metro area
• Recreational flyers must register with FAA and follow community-based safety guidelines

Permits & Registration

Commercial: FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate required. Georgia DNR written permit required before flying in any state park or WMA. Recreational: Register at registerdrone.faa.gov. LAANC (via apps such as Aloft or DroneZone) required for authorized Class B/C/D airspace access.

Official Statute Links

• https://www.faa.gov/uas/commercial_operators/part_107/
• https://law.justia.com/codes/georgia/title-16/chapter-11/article-3/section-16-11-62/
• https://law.justia.com/codes/georgia/title-16/chapter-7/article-1/section-16-7-21/
• https://gadnr.org/
• https://www.legis.ga.gov/

Local Ordinances

Atlanta does not have a standalone drone ordinance, but the City of Atlanta Department of Parks and Recreation requires prior written permission for drone operations in all city parks. The downtown core and Midtown sit within KATL's Class B shelf and require LAANC authorization. Atlanta's Beltline Corridor and busy greenways are effectively restricted during public events. Historic district activities may require additional review from the Atlanta Urban Design Commission.

Local Restrictions & Rules

• City parks: Prior written permit required from Atlanta Department of Parks and Recreation before any drone flight
• KATL Class B airspace: LAANC authorization mandatory; most of the city falls within the 30-nautical-mile Mode C veil
• KFTY Class D (Fulton County Airport): LAANC or ATC authorization required within Class D surface area
• KPDK Class D (Peachtree-DeKalb Airport): LAANC or ATC authorization required within Class D surface area
• Piedmont Park: Permit required; park is frequently crowded — flights over people prohibited
• Atlanta Beltline Trail and Freedom Parkway: No drone operations without event authorization
• Stone Mountain Park (state-managed): Georgia DNR written permit required
• Private property: O.C.G.A. § 16-7-21 trespass and § 16-11-62 privacy laws enforced
• No flights within 5 nautical miles of KATL without LAANC authorization

Local Contacts

• Parks & Planning: Atlanta Department of Parks and Recreation, (404) 546-6788, www.atlantaga.gov/government/departments/parks-recreation

Nearby Airports & Airspace

Airspace restrictions apply near airports. Always check B4UFLY and LAANC before flying.

Local Flying Guide

Always verify conditions with local authorities and property owners before flight.

Potential Safe Flying Locations

• Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area (obtain NPS permit; verify airspace with LAANC)
• Panola Mountain State Park (Georgia DNR written permit required)
• Rural Fulton, Fayette, or Cherokee County farmland (landowner permission + verify airspace)
• Arabia Mountain National Heritage Area (NPS/Davidson-Arabia Mountain Nature Preserve permit required)
• Open fields in exurban areas 25+ miles from KATL where Class B shelves do not apply (verify via B4UFLY)

Areas to Avoid

• KATL Class B airspace — extends from surface to 10,000 ft MSL; covers nearly all of the city
• KFTY Class D surface area (approximately 4.3 nm radius)
• KPDK Class D surface area (approximately 4.3 nm radius)
• Downtown Atlanta / Midtown core (dense Class B shelf; crowds; TFRs common during events)
• Piedmont Park and all Atlanta city parks without written permit
• Mercedes-Benz Stadium and State Farm Arena (TFRs during sporting events; check NOTAMs)
• Stone Mountain Park (Georgia DNR permit required; active glider operations nearby)
• Fort Gillem and Dobbins Air Reserve Base restricted areas
• All private property without landowner consent (trespass and privacy statutes enforced)

Weather Considerations

Atlanta sits at approximately 1,050 ft MSL in the Piedmont. Summer months bring intense afternoon convective thunderstorms, often building rapidly after noon. Humidity is high from May through September. Spring (March–April) carries tornado risk; check NWS Atlanta (weather.gov/ffc) for convective outlooks and SIGMETs before every flight. Winter fog is common in January–February, especially in low-lying river valleys near the Chattahoochee.

Seasonal Tips

BEST: October and November (clear skies, low humidity, stable air, spectacular fall foliage). March and April are good when storms are absent. AVOID: July and August afternoons (near-daily thunderstorm development by 2–3 PM); March–April severe weather outbreaks. Always check NOTAMs for Braves, Falcons, Hawks, and Atlanta United game-day TFRs at Truist Park and Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

Compliance Checklist

• ✓ Federal FAA Part 107 or recreational exemption
• ✓ Georgia state regulations
• ✓ Atlanta local ordinances
• ✓ B4UFLY airspace check
• ✓ LAANC authorization if in controlled airspace
• ✓ Property owner permission
• ✓ Weather safety