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 requirements
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 permit
Apply for a Drone Permit. 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 operation 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.