Savannah, Georgia Drone Laws

Overview

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

State Regulations & Statutes

Georgia has enacted O.C.G.A. § 6-1-4 establishing regulations for UAS operations and preempting local governments from enacting ordinances that are more restrictive than state or federal law — Georgia maintains statewide uniformity in drone regulation. O.C.G.A. § 16-11-62 prohibits observing, photographing, or recording individuals in private settings without consent and applies to drone-based surveillance. Savannah presents a complex airspace environment: Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport (KSAV) Class C airspace overlaps much of the city, Hunter Army Airfield (KSVN) creates military restricted airspace on the city's south side, and the National Park Service properties (Fort Pulaski NM, Tybee Island area) prohibit drone operations.

Applicable Statutes & Penal Codes

• O.C.G.A. § 6-1-4: Georgia UAS regulations — state preempts local government from enacting more restrictive ordinances
• O.C.G.A. § 16-11-62: Drone-based surveillance and recording of private individuals without consent is unlawful
• KSAV Class C airspace: LAANC authorization required within 5 nm of Savannah/Hilton Head International
• KSVN (Hunter AAF): Military restricted airspace on south side of Savannah — no unauthorized UAS operations
• Fort Pulaski National Monument (NPS): All drone operations prohibited under NPS regulations
• FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate required for all commercial drone operations
• FAA drone registration required for all UAS over 0.55 lbs
• Coastal TFRs possible during emergency operations, hurricane evacuations, or security events at the port

Permits & Registration

Commercial operations require FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate. LAANC authorization required for KSAV Class C airspace. Hunter AAF (KSVN) restricted airspace is not accessible through LAANC — military coordination required. Fort Pulaski NM and any NPS property requires Special Use Permit for commercial drone use; recreational drones prohibited. Georgia state parks require written approval from Georgia State Parks and Historic Sites. Savannah's Historic District has additional city-administered restrictions on operations near squares and historic structures.

Official Statute Links

• https://law.justia.com/codes/georgia/title-6/chapter-1/section-6-1-4/
• https://law.justia.com/codes/georgia/title-16/chapter-11/article-3/section-16-11-62/
• https://www.faa.gov/uas/commercial_operators/part_107/
• https://www.nps.gov/subjects/sound/drones.htm

Local Ordinances

Savannah is one of America's most photographically appealing cities with its famous Historic District of 22 squares, but drone operations are significantly restricted throughout the urban core due to KSAV Class C airspace and the city's historic preservation ordinances. The city's Landmark Historic District requires coordination for commercial aerial photography. Hunter Army Airfield creates a restricted military zone on the south side. The nearby coastal areas including Tybee Island have both NPS and military airspace considerations.

Local Restrictions & Rules

• Savannah Historic District (22 squares): City-managed public spaces; coordinate with Savannah Development and Renewal Authority for commercial operations
• KSAV Class C airspace: Covers most of Savannah from surface; LAANC required for all operations
• KSVN (Hunter AAF) restricted airspace: Active military airfield; no unauthorized civilian UAS
• Fort Pulaski National Monument: All drone use prohibited under NPS regulations; federal enforcement
• Forsyth Park: City park in historic district — contact City of Savannah Parks for permits
• Tybee Island (Chatham County): Coastal operations — check for NPS, Coast Guard, and FAA restrictions near the island
• Savannah Convention Center area: City-managed events venue; contact for event-specific restrictions
• Port of Savannah (Georgia Ports Authority): No unauthorized drone operations over port facilities — one of the nation's busiest container ports

Local Contacts

• Parks & Planning: City of Savannah Parks and Recreation, (912) 651-6780, savannahga.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

• Rural Effingham County northwest of Savannah — outside Class C airspace; flat Coastal Plain with landowner permission
• Bryan County agricultural areas west — south of KSAV Class C boundary; verify LAANC
• Chatham County rural northeast areas — outside primary controlled airspace corridors; verify with FAA tools
• Skidaway Island State Park — Georgia State Parks written permit required; beautiful marsh scenery
• Oatland Island Wildlife Center — contact facility management for authorization on private/state property
• Bull River and Herb River rural marsh areas — outside Class C with boat access; check for TFRs and KSAV approach paths

Areas to Avoid

• KSAV Class C airspace — covers virtually all of Savannah; LAANC required for all urban operations
• KSVN (Hunter AAF) restricted airspace — active 3rd Infantry Division aviation; no civilian UAS
• Fort Pulaski National Monument — NPS; all drone operations strictly prohibited
• Savannah Historic District (22 squares) — active pedestrian areas; coordinate with city for any commercial work
• Port of Savannah — major security zone; no unauthorized UAS over port facilities
• Tybee Island — coastal TFR risk; check for NPS and military airspace restrictions
• Forsyth Park — city park requiring permit
• Wilmington Island corridor between KSAV and KSVN — compressed airspace between two airports; extreme caution required

Weather Considerations

Savannah has a humid subtropical climate with very hot, humid summers and mild winters. The city averages about 50 inches of rainfall annually with summer being the wettest season. Hurricane season (June–November) is a serious concern — Savannah has been directly impacted by major hurricanes including Matthew (2016) and Dorian (2019). Sea breezes from the Atlantic create afternoon convective storms June through September. Winter is generally mild with occasional cold snaps. Coastal fog can ground operations especially in autumn mornings. Check NWS Charleston (weather.gov/chs) for local coastal forecasts.

Seasonal Tips

BEST: October–November (post-hurricane season, low humidity, clear visibility, mild temperatures) and March–April (before summer storm season). AVOID: July–August (extreme heat and humidity, daily afternoon storms), June–October hurricane season peak. Savannah's famous Spanish moss in live oaks creates beautiful autumn aerial imagery when conditions allow. The St. Patrick's Day celebrations (March) draw hundreds of thousands to downtown Savannah — city parks and squares are completely off-limits for drone operations during this period.

Compliance Checklist

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