Local drone laws for Arizona state refer to UAV operations in specified cities, counties, and regions.
Navajo Nation
The Navajo Nation prohibits the use of drones and other aircraft within Navajo Tribal Parks including the Monument Valley Tribal Park, Lake Powell Navajo Tribal Park, Tseyi Dine Heritage Area, and the Little Colorado River Gorge.
Ref Navajo Nation Parks and Recreation
Maricopa County
Drone flight is prohibited in all parks in Maricopa County’s regional park system. Drone flight is possible at the following locations:
- Superstition Park
- Coyote Basin Park
- Desert Foothills Park
- El Prado Park
- Esteban Park
- Grover’s Basin Park B
- Mountain View II Park
- Werner’s Field Park
- Adobe Dam Regional Park (only for Arizona Model Pilot’s Society members)
Ref Maricopa County Parks and Recreation Rules (2016)
City of Phoenix
The city municipal code bans all drone operations within Phoenix city parks except in parks designated by the Director. Acceptable operation sites must have at least 400 feet of unobstructed space that is free of trees, structures, or fences ten feet or higher.
The list of eight drone-friendly city parks can be found in the official Phoenix government page:
- Coyote Basin
- Desert Foothills Park – Lower Field
- Dynamite Park
- El Prado Park
- Esteban Park – East Quadrant
- Grovers Basin
- Mountain View II Park – South of Ballfield
- Werner’s Field
All UAS operations within designated operation sites must conform to the AMA Safety Code.
Ref Municipal Code Section 24-49
Ref List of drone-friendly parks
City of Scottsdale
The city ordinance identifies locations where launching or landing of UAS is prohibited:
- McDowell Sonoran Preserve
- Pinnacle Peak Park and Trailhead
- Mescal Park
- Stonegate Park
- Westworld
- McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park
The official Scottsdale government page also identifies additional prohibited sites:
- Cactus Aquatic Center
- Chaparral Aquatic Center
- Eldorado Aquatic Center
- McDowell Mountain Ranch Aquatic Center
Ref City Ordinance (2016)
Ref List of prohibited sites
City of Tempe
The city ordinance prohibits launching or landing UAS in Tempe Beach Park, Papago Park (Tempe section), Rio Salado Park, and city preserves.
Ref City Ordinance (2017)
City of Mesa
The operation of drones is prohibited in all Mesa city parks and facilities with Basin 114 as the sole exception. The designated area is available for drop-on use on a first-come, first-served basis only. All operators must follow industry safety rules and regulatory requirements, such as those from the FAA or the AMA or similar organization. All operators must pilot their drones from the bottom of the retention basin.
Ref Mesa Parks Rules and Regulations
City of Apache Junction
Drone usage at the park is permitted at the rodeo grounds facility (when the facility is not in use). Drone use is also allowed at the Staging area of Prospector Park, but operators must note that the concession is only for the desert area behind the park and not the park itself.
Ref City of Apache Junctions Parks and Recreation
Town of Prescott Valley
The municipal ordinance outlines official drone uses and permitted operations by city employees including search and rescue, law enforcement, and emergency management.
Ref Municipal Ordinance (2018)
Town of Paradise Valley
A 2015 press release states that commercial UAV operations must be registered with the Town at least 4 hours prior to the start of the operations. However, Paradise Valley property owners may fly UAVs recreationally on their own property at a height of less than 500 feet. Flying over other’s private property without their consent will be considered a form of trespass.
Ref Paradise Valley Town Council Press Release (2015)
