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Drone & Aerial Filming

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The City of Alexandria is situated within Washington, DC’s Special Flight Rules Area (SFRA) based on the proximity to Reagan National Airport. Per the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations, “flying an unmanned aircraft within the 15-mile radius inner ring is prohibited without specific FAA authorization.”

Obtaining a waiver from the FAA for drone filming in the City of Alexandria is done on a case-by-case basis and is a lengthy process that requires at least one month for review and approvals at the local and federal levels.

Drone and helicopter/plane pilots pursuing a waiver from TSA and FAA that require a letter of support from the City of Alexandria’s City Manager should submit details using the Aerial Film & Photography Request Form below and contact the Film Office Manager at [email protected] for more assistance.

IMPORTANT: Please make sure your location is in the City of Alexandria and not the area of Alexandria that is under the jurisdiction of Fairfax County. Refer to our Locations & Guidelines for more information.

City of Alexandria UAS & Aerial Photography/Film Request Form

The City of Alexandria is located within the D.C. Metropolitan Flight Restricted Zone (DC FRZ) and all flights within a 15-mile radius of Ronald Reagan National Airport are prohibited without FAA authorization.

Instructions:

  1. Contact the City of Alexandria Film Office
  2. Fill out the City of Alexandria’s Aerial Film & Photography Request Form
    • Provide supplemental project details to [email protected] including, but not limited to:
    • A map of your flight area that identifies your exact flight path, launch and landing locations. Maps submitted should be the same as what is used for your TSA Waiver application.
    • Client letter demonstrating that your company has been hired for UAS/aerial photography or filming in the City of Alexandria
  3. Pay the $30 request form fee online here.

General Information

Project Details




(drone, vehicles, generator, lighting etc.)

(number of people involved in your photo or film shoot)

Reserved Parking

Visit the City of Alexandria website for current parking reservation prices. NOTE: The submission of this information does not guarantee reserved parking. Once the application is reviewed, a separate parking permit must be submitted by the photographer/ pilot no less than 5 business days before the date of filming. 

(street address or meter numbers found inside glass or signage)

Street Closings

Street closings require police officers for traffic direction and control, incurring additional fees.

Sidewalk Closings

Sidewalks must remain open unless filming or safety concerns require closure, incurring additional fees.

Economic Impact for Alexandria

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* Indicates a required field.



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