Drone Permit

Unmanned aerial vehicle or drone use requires a permit. Applications reviewed on a case-by-case basis based on location conditions and guidelines. Fees may apply. 

Fees

• Commercial stock photography (advertisement/product): $200 + tax
  
• Commercial video (advertisement/product): $400 + tax
  
• Other commercial photography and videography (large commercial projects): $500 or as determined by the county board

Insurance req​uirements

Certificate of Liability insurance required for all special use permits. Coverage must be in effect on event date. Must include coverage of $1 million per occurrence and $1 million aggregate. Insurance must name Dakota County Parks as an additional insured. 

Obtaining a p​ermit

Apply for a Drone P​ermit. Allow a minimum of two weeks for review.

Information required along with drone permit application:

• Site plan, including detailed flight plan
• FAA pilots license
• Drone registration
• Waivers (if applicable)

Drone oper​​ation rules

• Drone operators and their subjects must follow all park rules as listed in Dakota County Ordinance 107 Park Use. You must honor all posted signage.
• Drone operation in the approved designated area of the flight plan only.
• Drone flight path must not interfere with park programming or activities. Trails and park areas may be closed due to construction, special events, natural resource restoration, etc. 
  
• You may not intentionally remove, alter, injure or destroy any tree, plant or other vegetation or disturb the soil or other natural resource.
• You must ​yield the right-of-way and not disturb other park and trail users if flight path location is on or near a trail or other park use area.
• Park ​in designated parking areas only.