2024 updates on So California Beaches

[AMann]

Any new updates on where to legally fly without permits for recreational and 107 holders along the coast including San Diego, Orange, Los Angeles, Santa Barbera and Ventura Counties?

There have been a lot of new municipal regulations popping up between 2022 and 2024 on where one can’t take off, control and land drones and most of the 1-2 year old posts about it are obsolete.

 

[Cafguy]

Drone Laws in California (2025) - UAV Coach

A list of drone regulations and links for people flying drones in California.

uavcoach.com

 

[AMann]

Drone Laws in California (2025) - UAV Coach

A list of drone regulations and links for people flying drones in California.

uavcoach.com

Thanks for the link, appreciate the effort.

What I really was hoping to get were recent recon reports from the ground troops on the current status of permissible sites for operations on the coast. I know some cities have enacted new regulations in 2023 and 2024, which a lot of drone sites don’t have listed and some cities have new draft amendments in the works for their drone regulations that are to be posted soon.

If it ends up that there are no free zones to do it, I am also sending a permit request to the admins of the parks and properties I want to use for the project I have in mind, and I guess if that doesn’t work another option would be to use a kayak or boat. But I’m kind of worried about taking off and landing from on the ocean. It’s too choppy out there for floats to keep it dry, and being that it’s salt water it will be certain death if the equipment gets wet -may as well be flying the drone over lava!

 

[Cafguy]

I go to Pismo Beach Never a problem with Drones Just don't do commercial Filming without a permit

 

[AMann]

I go to Pismo Beach Never a problem with Drones Just don't do commercial Filming without a permit

That’s a good idea, I’ll check that out. Thanks.

 

[AMann]

Well, Pismo does not allow drones either, so I applied for a research permit at a different state beach unit- will update this if they accept it.

 

[JoelP]

I am looking forward to hearing what you find out. I plan to visit Pismo for an RV trip.

Last year I tried to get a permit from Santa Clara County to fly over Coyote Creek trail to film my biking group. It is true that there is a permit but a daily permit cost hundreds of dollars.

One of these California drone links said that was possible to fly over Grant County Park in Santa Clara County. I drove there only to find a sign prohibiting drones.

 

[Cafguy]

I went to Pismo six months ago and even spoke about my Drone with the official in the little hut before you get on the beach.
I was told as long as I do not fly close to crowds or cause problems it would be O.K.-- NOW This is not to say it hasnt changed this is Cali lol
I also Know some people that have filmed there with Drones Commercially, They told me it takes about 90 Days to get a yes and the city needs a detailed flight plan!

 

[Riteguy]

I went to Pismo six months ago and even spoke about my Drone with the official in the little hut before you get on the beach.
I was told as long as I do not fly close to crowds or cause problems it would be O.K.-- NOW This is not to say it hasnt changed this is Cali lol
I also Know some people that have filmed there with Drones Commercially, They told me it takes about 90 Days to get a yes and the city needs a detailed flight plan!

I've never been hassled at any OC beaches, but if you're worried stay above 200' and don't be a nuisance.

 

[Skyryder]

I've never been hassled at any OC beaches, but if you're worried stay above 200' and don't be a nuisance.

What part of OC? The northern part is Seal Beach which is where the naval weapons station is, so that a huge red no fly zone. Then below that is Bolsa Chica which is a nature preserve and there was a huge outcry banning drones there after one crashed into the nesting area and scared away some endangered birds from coming back. And below that long stretch is California state park which has been deemed by the superintendent a no fly zone. CA stat parks are technically safe to fly but they left the option for the district superintendent to place limits if they want and almost all of them have. I can only find a tiny strip in Huntington beach that seem legal so far.

 

[YorksPhotos]

A few years ago when I researched Laguna Beach municipal codes for a court case I found that you cannot legally fly a kite on the beach.

 

[Riteguy]

What part of OC? The northern part is Seal Beach which is where the naval weapons station is, so that a huge red no fly zone. Then below that is Bolsa Chica which is a nature preserve and there was a huge outcry banning drones there after one crashed into the nesting area and scared away some endangered birds from coming back. And below that long stretch is California state park which has been deemed by the superintendent a no fly zone. CA stat parks are technically safe to fly but they left the option for the district superintendent to place limits if they want and almost all of them have. I can only find a tiny strip in Huntington beach that seem legal so far.

Northern Seal Beach is the breakwater and inlet to the Long Beach harbor. It's fun to following boats in and out of the harbor and you can often times see surfers. I guess if you look to find someone who doesn't want you to fly, you will find them. I've never been hassled. Stay at higher altitudes and you shouldn't have an issue.

 

[anotherlab]

Northern Seal Beach is the breakwater and inlet to the Long Beach harbor. It's fun to following boats in and out of the harbor and you can often times see surfers. I guess if you look to find someone who doesn't want you to fly, you will find them. I've never been hassled. Stay at higher altitudes and you shouldn't have an issue.

And this folks, is why we had RID imposed on us.

 

[Cafguy]

Northern Seal Beach is the breakwater and inlet to the Long Beach harbor. It's fun to following boats in and out of the harbor and you can often times see surfers. I guess if you look to find someone who doesn't want you to fly, you will find them. I've never been hassled. Stay at higher altitudes and you shouldn't have an issue.

Man today is reg day I guess... BUT I guess Ill be that guy again today ...sigh.
North seal beach is a highly restricted place (with the Naval weapons station being there and all). You are also close to 2 busy airports.
Not a very good idea to get caught with a drone there!