Drones now fill our skies for many reasons. From content creators to hobbyists, more people are using drones today. But while these flying devices might seem fun to some residents, they are bothersome to others.
Reasons to establish drone flying rules
Drone regulations help protect residents from:
- Invasion of privacy
- Noise disturbances
- Potential safety risks
Without clear guidelines, recreational drone users might unknowingly violate their neighbors’ privacy or create liability issues for the association. Good rules help everyone in the community feel safe and respected—whether they fly drones or not.
What you should know about drone rules in Texas
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) maintains primary control over airspace. FAA and state laws on drone use take precedence over other regulations. However, condo associations can set restrictions and other rules to manage drone activity within the property. Your association may even ban drone use within the condo if needed.
Making smart drone rules for your community
When creating drone policies, some important points to include or consider are:
- Where people can fly their drones safely
- What hours of the day drones can fly
- How to get permission before flying
- What paperwork drone owners need
- What to do if something goes wrong
These help you establish basic rules to keep everyone happy and safe while allowing responsible drone use.
Setting rules that work for everyone
Your condo board should create drone rules that make sense and that people will follow. Remember to ask residents what they think about any proposed regulations. Their input matters—and may even help your association prevent unnecessary problems with condo resident drone owners.
Working with a qualified legal professional helps you follow proper procedures for amending condo association bylaws. Additionally, they can help ensure you can enforce the rules and that they align with state and federal laws.