Tempe, Arizona Drone Laws

Overview

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

State Regulations & Statutes

Arizona has enacted A.R.S. § 13-3729, which prohibits using a drone to photograph or record an individual in a private place without consent and establishes criminal penalties. A.R.S. § 28-8247 preempts local governments from enacting ordinances that regulate the operation of drones, reserving that authority to the state — Arizona has strong statewide preemption. Tempe presents one of the most restricted drone environments in the United States: Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (KPHX) Class B airspace covers Tempe starting from the surface, effectively prohibiting all drone operations in the city without explicit FAA authorization. Tempe Town Lake also has city-imposed restrictions.

Applicable Statutes & Penal Codes

• A.R.S. § 13-3729: Prohibition on using drone to photograph or record individuals in private settings without consent; criminal penalties
• A.R.S. § 28-8247: Arizona preemption — local governments cannot enact drone ordinances more restrictive than state or federal law
• KPHX Class B airspace: Starts at the surface over Tempe — all drone operations require FAA Class B clearance; LAANC authorization required
• Tempe Town Lake: City policy restricts drone operations over the lake and adjacent parks
• Arizona State University campus: Institutional policy prohibits unauthorized drone flights
• FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate required for all commercial drone operations
• FAA drone registration required for all UAS over 0.55 lbs
• Spring Training stadium TFRs: Active during Cactus League spring training games at Tempe Diablo Stadium

Permits & Registration

Commercial operations require FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate. KPHX Class B airspace covers Tempe starting at the surface — LAANC authorization required for virtually all of Tempe; use FAA DroneZone or Aloft app. Arizona State University campus flights require written authorization from ASU Campus Environment Management. Tempe Town Lake requires coordination with City of Tempe Parks for any operations near the lake. Note: Tempe is one of the most airspace-restricted cities in the US due to KPHX proximity.

Official Statute Links

• https://www.azleg.gov/ars/13/03729.htm
• https://www.azleg.gov/ars/28/08247.htm
• https://www.faa.gov/uas/commercial_operators/part_107/
• https://www.faa.gov/air_traffic/publications/atpubs/afd_html/

Local Ordinances

Despite Arizona's statewide preemption of local drone ordinances, Tempe administers its parks and public property under city policies. The overwhelming airspace constraint in Tempe is Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport — one of the nation's 30 busiest airports — whose Class B airspace begins at the surface over the entire city. This makes Tempe one of the hardest cities in America for drone operations. Tempe Town Lake, Arizona State University, and Spring Training venues add additional layers of restriction.

Local Restrictions & Rules

• KPHX Class B airspace: Starts at surface over Tempe — FAA Class B clearance (LAANC or ATC authorization) required for all operations
• Tempe Town Lake area: City of Tempe Parks and Recreation policy restricts drone operations near the lake, bridges, and adjacent parks
• Tempe Beach Park / Rio Salado Habitat Restoration: City-managed; contact Tempe Parks for written authorization
• Arizona State University campus: Written authorization from ASU Campus Environment Management required
• Tempe Diablo Stadium: Stadium TFR active during Cactus League spring training (February–March)
• Rural Road corridor and Mill Avenue entertainment district: Dense urban area under KPHX Class B; no autonomous operations
• Papago Park (eastern Tempe/Scottsdale border): Maricopa County park — contact county parks for authorization; under KPHX Class B
• Tempe Center for the Arts lake area: City events venue — contact city for event-specific restrictions

Local Contacts

• Parks & Planning: City of Tempe Parks and Recreation, (480) 350-5200, tempe.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

• Maricopa County rural areas south of Chandler — outside KPHX Class B footprint; flat desert terrain; landowner/BLM permission required
• Queen Creek area (southeastern Maricopa County) — LAANC shows this area has more accessible airspace; verify before flying
• Buckeye area (western Maricopa County) — outside primary KPHX Class B floor; flat agricultural desert
• San Tan Mountain Regional Park — contact Maricopa County Parks; check current airspace ceiling
• Rural areas around Coolidge/Casa Grande — outside Class B; Pinal County open desert
• Usery Mountain Regional Park — east of Mesa; contact Maricopa County Parks for authorization and verify airspace

Areas to Avoid

• KPHX Class B airspace — starts at the surface over all of Tempe; FAA authorization required for any flight
• Tempe Town Lake and adjacent parks — city policy restricts drone flights over water and lake parks
• Arizona State University campus — entire campus is private institutional property; no unauthorized UAS
• Tempe Diablo Stadium — stadium TFR during Cactus League spring training events
• Mill Avenue entertainment district — dense pedestrian and commercial area under Class B
• I-10/Loop 202 corridor — active highway infrastructure and KPHX approach paths
• Salt River — state-managed waterway; check with Arizona State Land Department for restrictions
• Papago Park — county park under KPHX Class B; authorization required

Weather Considerations

Tempe has a hot desert climate at approximately 1,100 ft elevation. Summers (June–September) are brutally hot with temperatures regularly exceeding 115°F — electronics overheat, battery performance degrades dramatically, and thermal air currents create unstable flying conditions. Haboob (dust storm) season runs June through September — massive walls of dust can arrive with 5 minutes warning and create zero-visibility conditions immediately. The monsoon season (mid-June through September) brings dramatic afternoon thunderstorms with lightning, strong gusty winds, and heavy rain. Winters are mild and ideal for flying. Check NWS Phoenix (weather.gov/psr) for haboob warnings.

Seasonal Tips

BEST: October–April (mild temperatures 60–80°F, clear skies, low humidity, stable air). AVOID: June–September (extreme heat exceeds drone operating temperature limits, haboob risk, monsoon thunderstorms with dangerous lightning). October through April represents the prime Arizona drone season and is specifically recommended for non-locals planning visits for aerial photography. Always carry a haboob app (dust storm alert) during monsoon season. Sunset flights (6–8pm) in winter provide spectacular desert lighting but require planning around KPHX approach paths.

Compliance Checklist

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