Long Beach, California Drone Laws

Overview

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

State Regulations & Statutes

California has no statewide drone licensing requirement. Drone operations are governed by federal 14 CFR Part 107 for commercial use and FAA recreational rules for hobbyists. California Penal Code § 647(j)(1) prohibits using a drone to invade privacy. Cal. Penal Code § 402 prohibits interfering with emergency response. Cal. Fish and Game Code § 4700 prohibits harassing wildlife. California Code of Regulations Title 14 § 4000+ prohibits drone use in state parks without a permit. Long Beach sits within the Los Angeles Basin Class B airspace and hosts one of the world's busiest seaports — drone operations near port facilities are subject to federal TSA and USCG restrictions.

Applicable Statutes & Penal Codes

• 14 CFR Part 107 governs all commercial drone operations statewide
• California Penal Code § 647(j)(1) — drone surveillance/privacy invasion is a misdemeanor
• California Penal Code § 402 — interfering with emergency response is prohibited
• California Fish and Game Code § 4700 — harassing wildlife with a drone is illegal
• California Code of Regulations Title 14 § 4000+ — drones prohibited in California State Parks without permit
• KLGB Class D airspace and proximity to LAX Class B airspace require LAANC authorization
• Port of Long Beach / Port of Los Angeles: Federal TSA maritime security zones prohibit unauthorized drone operations over port facilities
• No state-specific drone license required beyond FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate

Permits & Registration

Commercial: FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate required. Recreational: Register drone at registerdrone.faa.gov if over 0.55 lbs. LAANC authorization required for KLGB Class D and LAX Class B airspace (much of Long Beach falls within the LAX Mode C veil). Port of Long Beach drone operations require advance coordination with Port security and the US Coast Guard Captain of the Port.

Official Statute Links

• https://www.faa.gov/uas/commercial_operators/part_107/
• https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes.xhtml
• https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=PEN§ionNum=647.
• https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=FGC§ionNum=4700.

Local Ordinances

Long Beach Municipal Code (LBMC) § 17.60 and Parks, Recreation and Marine Department regulations prohibit drone operations in all city parks and on city beaches without a Special Event Permit. Long Beach city beaches (Belmont Shore, Alamitos Beach, Bluff Park beachfront) prohibit drone flights to protect beach-goers and wildlife. The Aquarium of the Pacific (private) prohibits drones. The Queen Mary (private historic ship) requires property owner permission. The Long Beach Grand Prix (annual event) triggers FAA TFRs for the downtown racing circuit area. El Dorado Regional Park (managed by Los Angeles County) prohibits drones without a county permit.

Local Restrictions & Rules

• LBMC § 17.60: Drones prohibited in all City of Long Beach parks and beaches without a Special Event Permit from Parks, Recreation and Marine
• Long Beach city beaches (Belmont Shore Beach, Alamitos Beach, Junipero Beach): Drones prohibited — public beach ordinance prohibits flight over beach users
• El Dorado Regional Park and El Dorado Nature Center: Managed by LA County — drones prohibited without LA County Regional Park permit
• Rainbow Lagoon Park / Shoreline Park (downtown waterfront): Prohibited without city permit
• Queen Mary: Private property — drones prohibited without explicit owner/operator permission
• Port of Long Beach: Federal TSA maritime security zone — drones strictly prohibited over port terminals, container facilities, and vessels; USCG enforcement
• KLGB Class D airspace: LAANC authorization required; airport hosts commercial operations and the annual Long Beach Grand Prix circuit is nearby
• LAX Class B airspace: Long Beach is within the LAX Mode C veil — LAANC required for all authorized flights
• Long Beach Grand Prix: Annual FAA TFR for the downtown street circuit (typically April)
• Long Beach Arena / Dignity Health Sports Park: TFRs apply during LA Galaxy games and major events
• Active wildfire / emergency response: Prohibited per CA Penal Code § 402 and FAA TFRs

Local Contacts

• Parks & Planning: Long Beach Parks, Recreation and Marine — Special Events: (562) 570-3100, www.longbeach.gov/park

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

• Private property with owner permission and valid LAANC authorization (required throughout Long Beach)
• Designated AMA flying sites in Orange County (to the south, outside Long Beach city limits) — check AMA club finder
• Seal Beach National Wildlife Refuge area (contact USFWS — Seal Beach NWR may prohibit drones for wildlife protection)
• Commercial film/photo productions can obtain city Special Event Permits for parks and beach locations

Areas to Avoid

• KLGB Class D airspace — covers central Long Beach; LAANC required
• LAX Class B airspace Mode C veil — covers entire Long Beach area; LAANC required for authorized operations
• Port of Long Beach — federal maritime security zone; drones strictly prohibited
• All city parks and beaches — prohibited without special event permit
• El Dorado Regional Park — prohibited without LA County permit
• Long Beach harbor and marinas — no drone flights over vessels or marina facilities
• Long Beach Grand Prix circuit area — annual FAA TFR (check NOTAMs in April)
• Dignity Health Sports Park / Long Beach Arena — TFRs on event days
• Oil island platforms offshore (THUMS Islands) — private industrial facilities; prohibited

Weather Considerations

Long Beach has a mild coastal climate heavily influenced by Pacific Ocean proximity. Marine layer (coastal stratus) is common May through September, particularly in the morning and evening — often clearing midday to reveal clear skies. Afternoon sea breezes from the southwest are consistent during summer (10-20 mph, gusting to 25 mph). Santa Ana winds in fall and occasionally winter can produce strong, gusty, dry offshore winds (30-60 mph gusts). Winter (November–March) brings occasional Pacific storm systems with heavy rain and strong winds. Monitor KLGB and KLAX METARs and NWS Los Angeles (forecast.weather.gov/office/LOX).

Seasonal Tips

BEST: September through November — minimal marine layer, light winds, clear skies. February through April also good. Early morning flights (before 10 AM) before sea breeze develops are calmest in summer. AVOID: May through August afternoons (strong sea breeze), Santa Ana wind events (Oct–Dec), and winter storm days. Always check for Long Beach Grand Prix TFRs in April and LA Galaxy / events TFRs throughout the year.

Compliance Checklist

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