Columbus, Ohio Drone Laws

Overview

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

State Regulations & Statutes

Ohio has enacted drone-specific statutes addressing privacy and trespass. ORC § 2907.08 (voyeurism) prohibits using a drone or any device to observe, photograph, or film another person in a private setting without consent — a misdemeanor or felony depending on the nature of the surveillance. ORC § 2911.21 (criminal trespass) applies to drone intrusions over private property. Ohio DNR prohibits drones in Ohio State Parks without a permit. Commercial operators need FAA Part 107; recreational flyers must register with the FAA. John Glenn Columbus International Airport (KCMH) Class C airspace covers central Columbus; Rickenbacker International (KLCK) Class D affects the southeast.

Applicable Statutes & Penal Codes

• ORC § 2907.08 — Voyeurism via drone: misdemeanor (first degree) for observing without consent; felony if victim is a minor
• ORC § 2911.21 — Criminal trespass: drone flights over private property without permission may constitute trespass
• Ohio DNR: drone flight prohibited in Ohio State Parks and nature preserves without advance permit
• 14 CFR Part 107 — Remote Pilot Certificate required for commercial operations
• 14 CFR § 91.130 — Class C authorization required before flying near John Glenn Columbus International (KCMH)
• Ohio Stadium (OSU) TFRs: FAA issues TFRs over Ohio Stadium during all Ohio State home football games under 14 CFR § 91.145

Permits & Registration

Commercial operations require FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate. Recreational flyers must register drones over 0.55 lbs and pass TRUST test. Ohio State Parks permit required for drone operations — contact individual park offices through Ohio DNR (614-265-6561). LAANC authorization available for KCMH Class C and KLCK Class D airspace via FAA DroneZone or approved apps. Check faa.gov/uas/where_to_fly/tfr for Ohio State game-day TFRs before any Columbus-area flight on football Saturdays.

Official Statute Links

• https://codes.ohio.gov/ohio-revised-code/section-2907.08
• https://codes.ohio.gov/ohio-revised-code/section-2911.21
• https://ohiodnr.gov/go-and-do/plan-a-visit/parks-rules-regulations
• https://www.faa.gov/uas/commercial_operators/part_107/
• https://www.faa.gov/uas/recreational_fliers/

Local Ordinances

Columbus has no standalone municipal drone ordinance in the Columbus City Code, but Columbus Recreation and Parks Department prohibits drone takeoff and landing in all City parks without prior departmental authorization. The Ohio Statehouse and surrounding Capitol Square are state-restricted areas. The Ohio State University campus has a formal UAS policy requiring university authorization. Rickenbacker International Airport (KLCK, a former Strategic Air Command base) Class D affects the southeast side.

Local Restrictions & Rules

• Columbus Recreation and Parks: drones prohibited in all City parks without prior written authorization — contact (614) 645-3300
• Scioto Audubon Metro Park: advance Parks authorization required; popular photography location
• Antrim Park: advance Parks authorization required
• Ohio Statehouse and Capitol Square: State of Ohio restricted area — no unauthorized drone operations; Ohio State Highway Patrol jurisdiction
• Ohio State University campus: OSU UAS Policy — written authorization required from OSU Office of Research Compliance; contact (614) 688-8457
• Ohio Stadium (The Horseshoe): game-day TFRs under 14 CFR § 91.145 during all Ohio State home football games; TFR radius typically 3 nautical miles
• Nationwide Arena / Huntington Park area: event TFRs may apply for NHL and MiLB games
• Rickenbacker International (KLCK) Class D: affects southeast Columbus / Groveport — LAANC required
• Private property: ORC § 2911.21 trespass and ORC § 2907.08 privacy laws enforced citywide

Local Contacts

• Parks & Planning: Columbus Recreation and Parks, (614) 645-3300, columbus.gov/recreationandparks

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

• Hoover Reservoir (northeast Columbus, ~15 mi — verify Columbus Recreation authorization and current park rules)
• Rural Delaware County north of Westerville (~20 mi north — verify outside KCMH Class C surface area via B4UFLY and private property rights)
• Rural Fairfield County south of Canal Winchester (~20 mi southeast — verify outside KLCK Class D and property access)
• Rural Madison County west of Plain City (~25 mi west — lower density, outside Class C, verify property rights)

Areas to Avoid

• John Glenn Columbus International (KCMH) Class C — covers central Columbus and surrounding area, LAANC required
• Rickenbacker International (KLCK) Class D — covers southeast Columbus / Groveport area to 2,800 ft MSL
• Ohio Stadium (The Horseshoe) — FAA TFR 14 CFR § 91.145 during all OSU home football games; check FAA TFR list for game dates
• Ohio Statehouse / Capitol Square — State restricted area under Ohio State Highway Patrol jurisdiction
• Ohio State University campus — OSU UAS Policy authorization required
• All Columbus City parks — advance Parks Department authorization required
• Nationwide Arena / Huntington Park — potential event TFRs; verify via FAA TFR list

Weather Considerations

Columbus has a humid continental climate with four distinct seasons. Spring (March–May) is active severe weather season — tornado watches and thunderstorm lines are common. Summers are warm and humid with afternoon convective activity. Winters bring periodic snow and ice storms. Fall is the best flying season. Columbus is in a flat geography with few terrain features to provide windbreaks — open-field wind gusts can be strong. Check NWS Wilmington, OH (weather.gov/iln) for Columbus area forecasts.

Seasonal Tips

BEST: September–October — mild temperatures, stable air, clearest skies of the year. AVOID: December–February for ice and snow risk (icing can damage electronics); March–May for severe weather season. Summer (June–August) is flyable but watch for afternoon convective storms and high heat/humidity. CRITICAL: Always check FAA TFR list (faa.gov/uas/where_to_fly/tfr) before flying on Ohio State home football Saturdays — TFRs cover a 3 nm radius around Ohio Stadium and are strictly enforced.

Compliance Checklist

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