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Drone Rules for California 84

San Jose, California (CA) • United States
Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge, CA-84, San Jose, CA 95134, USA
Lat: 37.5001 • Lng: -122.127
Ground Not allowed Last updated: May 30, 2026
Summary
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USFWS prohibits drones on Don Edwards SF Bay NWR. The refuge sits inside San Francisco Class B airspace; San Jose Class C also overlaps. The salt marsh habitat protects the California clapper rail (endangered).

Drone Rules - Don Edwards SF Bay NWR, California

Drones are prohibited under USFWS Director's Order 210; San Francisco International (SFO) Class B and San Jose International (SJC) Class C both overlay the refuge.

Airspace / Site Context

  • SFO Class B surface area and SJC Class C both cover portions of the refuge; most LAANC grid squares authorize 0 ft AGL
  • California clapper rail (endangered) nests in pickleweed marsh; drone noise triggers flush responses and clutch abandonment
  • California least tern (threatened) nesting colony is present at the Alviso unit; April-August nesting season applies

Key Rules

  • Dual Class B/Class C prohibition: LAANC or Part 107 waiver required for any flight near the refuge before even considering the USFWS prohibition
  • Clapper rail and least tern nesting season (April-August): USFWS enforces physical exclusion zones; drone overflight triggers ESA Section 9 concern
  • USFWS Special Use Permit required; applications require SFO Class B waiver coordination simultaneously

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