Long Beach, California Drone Laws

City overview

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.

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

Plan nearby flights

Related Resources & Guides

Use these pages to move from Long Beach rules to statewide law, nearby airport restrictions, and the federal preflight checks that still apply before launch.