Can You Get a Parks Department Drone Permit in NYC?

No Standalone Parks Drone Permit Exists

A common misconception is that operators can obtain a permit directly from NYC Parks Department to fly a drone in a park. As of 2026, NYC Parks does not issue standalone drone permits for its managed properties. The legal framework is clear: drone operations are prohibited on all NYC Parks property under Administrative Code 18-146 and 1 RCNY 1-05(r)(2), with the only standing exceptions being the five designated model aircraft fields.

The Two Pathways for Legal Drone Operations on Parks Property

Pathway 1: Designated Model Aircraft Fields (No Additional Parks Authorization Needed)

The five designated model aircraft fields are permanently exempt from the parks drone ban. Operations at these fields are also exempt from the NYPD Unmanned Aircraft Permit under 38 RCNY 24-02(b)(1). Operators need only comply with FAA requirements (Part 107/TRUST, Remote ID, LAANC).

Pathway 2: Commercial Film and Television Productions (Multi-Agency Process)

For commercial productions (film, television, advertising) that require drone work within NYC parks, the process involves multiple agencies:

1. MOME permit: Apply to the Mayor's Office of Media and Entertainment for a filming permit. The MOME permit addresses location access and production logistics
2. NYC Parks coordination: MOME coordinates with NYC Parks for access to park property. Parks must specifically approve the use of their managed land for the production
3. NYPD Unmanned Aircraft Permit: A separate NYPD permit under 38 RCNY Chapter 24 is required for the drone operation itself, including the $2M/$4M insurance, community board notification, and site-specific flight plan
4. FAA authorization: LAANC or DroneZone airspace authorization is required independently of any city permits

Even with all approvals, commercial drone operations in NYC parks are infrequent and require significant advance planning. Applications should be submitted well in advance of the intended production date.

Special Events in Parks

NYC Parks hosts and permits special events throughout the year. Event organizers who wish to include drone operations as part of a permitted event must still satisfy the NYPD permit and FAA authorization requirements. A Parks special event permit does not automatically include drone authorization.

Misconceptions About Parks Drone Authorization

• An NYPD drone permit does not override the parks ban. The NYPD permit authorizes takeoff and landing from a specific site, but it does not grant the right to fly over Parks-managed property where the parks ban applies
• Private event permits in parks do not include drone rights. Even for weddings, corporate events, or other private functions permitted in parks, drone operations remain subject to the parks ban
• No online application for parks drone authorization exists. Unlike the NYPD portal at nyc.gov/dronepermits, there is no separate Parks-specific drone application system

Contacting the Right Agency