Federal Regulations and Guidance:  Recreational flying of an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) or drone in the City of Tempe is subject to restrictions. Information is posted on https://www.faa.gov/uas/recreational_fliers/. Prior authorization is needed because the city is located inside airport controlled (Class B) airspace.  

Links: FAA Press Release  Know Before You Fly  Apps to download: B4UFLY for iOS phones and B4UFLY for Android phones.

State Restrictions: With SB 1449 the Arizona legislature included statewide restrictions on hobbyist drone use in Arizona Revised Statutes, §3729 (PDF), that include offensive uses, such as interference with local fire and law enforcement operations among other unlawful uses. 

City Parks Restrictions: On June 15, 2017, the City of Tempe adopted Ordinance No. O2017.36 (PDF), an amendment to the City Code Chapter 23, Article III, Division 1 regarding the use of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) – meaning those that are flown solely for recreational or hobby purposes while in the visual sight of the operator – in city parks and preserves. The amendment prohibits takeoffs and landings with UAVs in Tempe Beach Park, Papago Park (Tempe section), Rio Salado Park, and city preserves.

• Register and mark your drone if its weight is above 0.55 pounds 
• Obtain authorization before flying in controlled airspace
• Fly at or below 400 feet
• Be aware of federal airspace requirements and restrictions.
• Stay away from surrounding obstacles.
• Keep your done within sight.
• Never fly near other aircraft, especially near airports.
• Never fly over groups of people.
• Never fly over stadiums or sports events.
• Never fly near emergency response efforts such as fires.
• Never fly under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Careless or reckless use of a drone is under state law classified as a class 1 misdemeanor.

North Tempe Controlled Airspace and Local Restrictions Map:

Green Areas: Parks & golf courses.

Red Areas: Aeras in Tempe where takeoffs and landings with model aircraft/ hobbyist drones are prohibited.

Blue & Grey Areas: Where Class B controlled airspace for the Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport extends to ground level in Tempe.

Orange Area:  Area in Tempe within five miles of PHX. The FAA abolished the five-mile notification rule for drone users in 2019, replacing it with the need for hobbyist flyers to obtain FAA LAANC authorization before flying in controlled airspace near airports.

Airport Guidance

PHX drone use notice.

Chandler drone use notice.