Monterey, California Drone Laws

Overview

Monterey 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 drone law applies fully in Monterey. Cal. Civil Code § 1708.8 creates civil liability for using a drone to capture images of persons with a reasonable expectation of privacy. Cal. Penal Code § 647(j)(4) establishes criminal penalties for drone-based invasion of privacy. California State Parks (which manages Asilomar State Beach, Point Lobos State Natural Reserve, and other iconic Monterey Peninsula locations) prohibit drone operations without a special use permit under 14 CCR § 4302. Point Lobos State Natural Reserve is one of California's most strictly protected state parks — drone operations are not permitted and would disturb protected marine wildlife including harbor seals, sea otters, and nesting birds. Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary (MBNMS) — one of the largest marine sanctuaries in the US — has guidelines against drone operations that disturb marine life. Monterey Regional Airport (KMRY) creates Class D airspace. Commercial operators must hold an FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate.

Applicable Statutes & Penal Codes

• Cal. Civil Code § 1708.8 — Physical invasion of privacy by drone: civil liability for recording persons without consent
• Cal. Penal Code § 647(j)(4) — Criminal invasion of privacy by drone: misdemeanor for recording private activity
• California State Parks — 14 CCR § 4302: drones prohibited in all state parks without special use permit; includes Point Lobos, Asilomar, Carmel River State Beach
• Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary (MBNMS) — NOAA: drone operations that disturb marine mammals (sea otters, harbor seals, whales) may violate Marine Mammal Protection Act (16 U.S.C. § 1361)
• Fort Ord National Monument (BLM) — commercial use authorization required; former military base with range safety considerations
• 14 CFR § 91.129 — LAANC authorization required near Monterey Regional Airport (KMRY) Class D airspace
• 14 CFR Part 107 — Remote Pilot Certificate required for commercial operations

Permits & Registration

Commercial operators require FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate. California State Parks permit required for any drone operation in state parks — apply through California Department of Parks and Recreation at (831) 649-2836 for the Monterey District. Point Lobos State Natural Reserve is especially sensitive — permit applications are rarely granted due to wildlife disturbance concerns. MBNMS discourages drone operations that could disturb protected marine wildlife — contact MBNMS at (831) 647-4201 for guidance. LAANC authorization available for KMRY Class D via FAA DroneZone. City of Monterey filming permit required for commercial work on City property — contact (831) 646-3867.

Official Statute Links

• https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=CIV§ionNum=1708.8
• https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=PEN§ionNum=647
• https://www.parks.ca.gov/pages/735/files/DronePolicyFinalProof08_14_15.pdf
• https://montereybay.noaa.gov/
• https://www.faa.gov/uas/commercial_operators/part_107/

Local Ordinances

The City of Monterey regulates commercial filming and photography on City-owned property, which includes Fisherman's Wharf, Municipal Beach, and various city parks. The Monterey Historic District and Cannery Row are popular filming locations that require City permits for commercial drone operations. The adjacent communities of Carmel-by-the-Sea, Pacific Grove, and Pebble Beach have their own restrictions — notably Carmel has strict filming permit requirements. Pebble Beach (private resort) requires specific permission. The Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute (MBARI) and surrounding research facilities ask pilots to avoid overflights. The combination of KMRY Class D airspace, California State Parks rules, and MBNMS wildlife protection makes the Monterey area one of California's more restrictive drone environments.

Local Restrictions & Rules

• Point Lobos State Natural Reserve — CA State Parks: drones prohibited; critical wildlife habitat for sea otters, harbor seals, nesting seabirds
• Asilomar State Beach / Conference Grounds — CA State Parks: drone permit required
• Carmel River State Beach — CA State Parks: drone permit required; snowy plover nesting habitat
• Monterey Bay Aquarium area — MBNMS and proximity concerns: drones risk disturbing marine mammals
• 17-Mile Drive (Pebble Beach) — private Pebble Beach Company property: authorization required from property owner
• Monterey Regional Airport (KMRY) Class D — 3 mi from city center: LAANC authorization required
• Fisherman's Wharf / Cannery Row — City permit required for commercial filming; high pedestrian density

Local Contacts

• Parks & Planning: City of Monterey Recreation and Community Services — (831) 646-3866, monterey.org/recreation

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

• Salinas Valley agricultural areas (~15 mi inland east of KMRY Class D — open agricultural land with landowner permission; verify B4UFLY)
• Laguna Seca Raceway area (~15 mi east — outside Class D; private property — Monterey County permission required)
• Fort Ord open areas (~10 mi north — BLM Fort Ord National Monument; commercial authorization required; verify range clearance)

Areas to Avoid

• Point Lobos State Natural Reserve — CA State Parks: absolutely no drones; stringent wildlife protection
• Asilomar State Beach — CA State Parks: permit required
• Carmel River State Beach — CA State Parks: permit required; snowy plover nesting
• Monterey Regional Airport (KMRY) Class D — LAANC required
• Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary — Marine Mammal Protection Act applies; avoid low flights over marine mammals
• Big Sur coastline (~30 mi south) — CA State Parks and US Forest Service: commercial permits required; one of the most sensitive coastal areas in California

Weather Considerations

Monterey has a coastal Mediterranean climate dominated by cool marine air from the California Current. Marine layer fog is extremely common May through August, often persisting all day along the coast. Afternoon winds in the Monterey Bay typically increase to 15–25 mph by early afternoon. The Big Sur coastline south of Monterey experiences powerful onshore winds and unpredictable turbulence from the Santa Lucia Mountains. Point Pinos and Point Lobos are especially windy due to coastal headland effects. Check NWS Bay Area (weather.gov/mtr) for Monterey forecasts.

Seasonal Tips

BEST: September–November — marine layer lifts, calm mornings, dramatic coastal light, grey whale migration begins in December. AVOID: May–August (frequent all-day fog). AVOID: midday and afternoon when sea breezes strengthen. Early morning (sunrise to 9 AM) in fall is the best window for calm, clear coastal flying. Whale watching season (December–April) means extra care near MBNMS to avoid disturbing wildlife.

Compliance Checklist

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