Saint Paul, Minnesota Drone Laws

Overview

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

State Regulations & Statutes

Minnesota has specific drone statutes. Minn. Stat. § 360.59 regulates commercial drone operations at the state level. Minn. Stat. § 609.748 makes drone surveillance with intent to harass or stalk a criminal offense. Minn. Stat. § 609.605 covers trespass including drone flight over private property without consent. Minnesota DNR prohibits drone use in state parks, wildlife management areas, and scientific and natural areas without a permit. Saint Paul shares KMSP Class B airspace with Minneapolis and sits adjacent to KSTP (St. Paul Downtown Airport) Class D — LAANC authorization is required for virtually all flight operations in the city.

Applicable Statutes & Penal Codes

• Minn. Stat. § 360.59: State regulations on commercial drone operations
• Minn. Stat. § 609.748: Drone surveillance with intent to harass is a stalking offense
• Minn. Stat. § 609.605: Trespass — drone flight over private property without consent
• Minnesota DNR prohibits drones in state parks and wildlife management areas without a permit
• KMSP (Minneapolis–Saint Paul International) Class B airspace covers most of Saint Paul
• KSTP (St. Paul Downtown / Holman Field) Class D airspace along the river
• KFCM (Flying Cloud) Class D airspace to the southwest
• FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate required for commercial operations
• FAA drone registration required for all UAS over 0.55 lbs

Permits & Registration

Commercial operations: FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate required. Recreational: FAA drone registration required for UAS over 0.55 lbs. Minnesota state park flights: DNR special use permit required. LAANC authorization required for virtually all of Saint Paul due to KMSP Class B — use DroneZone or approved apps. Saint Paul Parks and Recreation permit required for park flights. NPS authorization required for Mississippi NRRA segments.

Official Statute Links

• https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/360.59
• https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/609.748
• https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/609.605
• https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/
• https://www.faa.gov/uas/commercial_operators/part_107/

Local Ordinances

Saint Paul Parks and Recreation prohibits drone operations in city parks without a special use permit. The Mississippi River corridor through Saint Paul is part of the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area (NPS), requiring NPS authorization. The Minnesota State Capitol complex warrants heightened sensitivity. KSTP (Holman Field / St. Paul Downtown Airport) sits directly on the Mississippi River in Saint Paul, and its Class D airspace affects river corridor flight operations. Xcel Energy Center generates FAA TFRs for major events.

Local Restrictions & Rules

• Saint Paul Parks and Recreation: Drone operations prohibited in all city parks without a special use permit
• Mississippi National River and Recreation Area (NPS): NPS Special Use Permit required for all river corridor parks
• Minnesota State Capitol grounds: Heightened security — contact Capitol Police before any flight
• Xcel Energy Center: FAA TFR may be in effect for major events (NHL games, concerts)
• CHS Field (St. Paul Saints): Consider TFR during games
• Como Regional Park (Como Zoo and Conservatory): Saint Paul Parks permit required
• Highland Park area: Residential density — obtain Parks permit
• KSTP (Holman Field) vicinity: Class D airspace along Mississippi River corridor
• Private property: Minn. Stat. § 609.605 trespass applies

Local Contacts

• Parks & Planning: Saint Paul Parks and Recreation, (651) 266-6400, stpaul.gov/parks

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

• Rural Washington County farmland east of metro — outside KMSP Class B and KSTP Class D floors (verify on current FAA sectional chart)
• Afton State Park — DNR permit required; verify KMSP Class B floor altitude at this location
• Rural Dakota County south of the metro — check Class B floor altitudes carefully
• Lake Elmo Park Reserve — Washington County permit required; check airspace

Areas to Avoid

• Minneapolis–Saint Paul International (KMSP) — Class B airspace covers most of Saint Paul; LAANC required everywhere
• St. Paul Downtown Airport Holman Field (KSTP) — Class D airspace along Mississippi River corridor
• Minnesota State Capitol grounds — heightened government security
• All Saint Paul city parks without a special use permit
• Mississippi National River and Recreation Area — NPS permit required for all river corridor areas
• Como Regional Park — city park permit required
• Xcel Energy Center and CHS Field — TFR possible during major events
• Flying Cloud Airport (KFCM) — Class D airspace affecting southwest approach

Weather Considerations

Saint Paul experiences the same extreme continental climate as Minneapolis. Winter temperatures regularly fall below -20°F — LiPo batteries can fail completely in extreme cold; warm batteries indoors to above 60°F before flight. The Mississippi River creates unique valley wind channeling. Severe thunderstorms and tornado risk are present April through August. Check NWS Twin Cities (weather.gov/mpx) before every flight.

Seasonal Tips

BEST: September–early October (excellent visibility, mild temperatures, stable air, fall color along Mississippi bluffs) and late May. AVOID: December–February (extreme cold and battery failure risk is serious); June–August afternoons during tornado and severe storm season. Spring: Ice-out flooding along the Mississippi can make river corridor parks inaccessible.

Compliance Checklist

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