Local drone laws in Alabama refer to policies and regulations that are enacted and enforced at the county, city, or town levels.
City of Oxford
The city ordinance prohibits UAV operations over any city or municipality property including city parks, recreational areas, or any other areas designated by the chief of police. The ordinance also authorizes local law officials to enforce FAA regulations on UAV operations.
Ref City Code Article XI (2020)
City of Orange Beach
The municipal ordinance enforces several restrictions depending on the classification of UAV operations:
- Recreational UAV use is not allowed on the beach.
- Recreational UAVe use is allowed only on the person’s private property or on property they have been granted permission to fly over.
- Commercial UAV use requires securing a permit and possibly paying a fee, particularly for operations that are done several times in a year.
- Launching, landing, or operating a UAV is prohibited at or within 500 feet of any venue, outdoor special event, or gulf beach area unless approved by the FAA and city administrator.
Ref Municipal Code Article IV (2020)
City of Gulf Shores
The municipal ordinance prohibits launching, landing, or operating a UAV at or within any venue, outdoor special event, or Gulf Beach area unless the activity has been permitted by the FAA and city administrator.
Ref Municipal Code Division 9 (2021)
City of Daphne
- No person shall launch, land, or operate a remote-controlled aircraft within or upon any City park unless authorized by prior written consent of the City.
- Commercial drone photography during a special event requires a special event permit.
- Recreational drone use can be done on fields located at Al Trione Sports Complex that are not otherwise occupied or in use. Any drone operations must not be within 100 feet of people, power lines, buildings, or light fixtures.
Ref Ordinance No. 2017-34
USS Alabama Battleship
All UAV operations are prohibited over the USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park unless given approval by the Deputy Executive Director. This restriction applies 100 feet horizontally or vertically of the USS Alabama, USS Drum, Aircraft Pavilion, Park Memorials, and aircraft or artifacts on the ground.
Ref USS Alabama Drone Policy (2017)
