Drone Laws
in Ohio (2023)

Welcome to this wiki. The goal of this wiki is to crowd-source drone information. Having said that, information may be inaccurate, out-of-date, and should not be relied upon for legal advice.

Ohio State Drone Laws
These laws apply in the entire state.

House Bill 292

Creates the Ohio Aerospace and Aviation Techology Committee (OAATC). One of the duties of the committee is to further develop aerospace, aviation, and technology industry, including unmanned aerial systems or drones.

Ref House Bill 292

City and County
Drone Laws
These laws apply in some areas.

Local drone laws in Ohio refer to policies and regulations that are enacted and enforced at the county, city, or town levels.

 

Columbus and Franklin County

  • Recreational drone flight is allowed in all Metro Parks in Columbus and Franklin County with the exception of state Nature Preserves. This is at the discretion of Park Rangers, so drone pilots are encouraged to check with the Park Ranger on duty prior to flying.
  • Commercial drone flight is allowed only upon granting of the appropriate permit from the Metro Parks.

Ref Columbus and Franklin County Metro Parks Policy

 

Hamilton County

Prohibits both recreational and commercial drone operations in any Great Parks of Hamilton County without official written authorization from the Chief Executive Officer.

Ref Great Parks of Hamilton County Policies & Permits

 
Butler County Metro Parks

Prohibits the use of drones and other remote-controlled aircraft in Butler County Metro Parks outside of designated areas. Special use permits may be granted by the Executive Director under certain conditions.

Ref Park Rules and Regulations

 

City of Cleveland

Authorizes Cleveland police officers to enforce FAA regulations on drone operations

Ref Code of Statutes Chapter 490

 

Cleveland Metro Parks

Allows launching, landing, or operations of drones that weigh less than 4.4 lbs / 2.0 kg only in designated areas within the Park District.

Ref Cleveland Metro Parks Drone Policy

 

Cincinnati Park

Prohibits drone operations on or over park property except with the written permission of the park board and within such areas designated by the park board.

Ref Cincinnati Park Rules (2017)

 

City of Celina

Bans drone operations in all city-owned property, including parks.

Ref Celina Drone Ordinance

 

City of Avon Lake

Prohibits launching or landing a drone or any other flying apparatus in Municipal parks unless authorized by the Recreation Department.

Ref Code of Ordinances 10.6.1070

 

Anderson Township Parks

Prohibits drone operations in in all parks and facilities owned and managed by the township. Written permission for drone operations may be granted by the Executive Director under certain circumstances.

Ref Anderson Township Park District Rules & Regulations (2015)

 

Five Rivers Metroparks

  • The use of UAS within MetroParks Property is prohibited without the appropriate permit;
  • Permits may be obtained for commercial or scientific research purposes only, accompanied with a Remote Pilot Certificate from the FAA.
  • Recreational UAS flight is not permitted.
  • The permit will cost $200 per day/location.

Ref Unmanned Aircraft Systems (Drone) Policy