Topographic Data Collection in St. Paul, MN

Airports & LAANC Zones

• MSP — Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (Class B airspace, located approximately 8 NM southwest of downtown St. Paul — major commercial hub, shared with Fort Snelling)
• STP — St. Paul Downtown Airport (Holman Field, Class D airspace, located on the Mississippi River floodplain south of downtown — busiest general aviation reliever in the metro)
• SGS — South St. Paul Municipal Airport (Richard E. Fleming Field, uncontrolled airspace, approximately 6 NM south — general aviation reliever serving south metro)
• BBB — Anoka County-Blaine Airport (uncontrolled airspace, approximately 20 NM north — general aviation reliever for north metro)

Restricted Airspace

• Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP) Class B airspace is the primary airspace restriction for the Twin Cities region. The Class B surface area extends approximately 10 NM from MSP and covers portions of southwest St. Paul near the Fort Snelling area and the Mississippi River corridor. Commercial drone operators in the West Side, Fort Road, and Shepard Road corridor must check Class B boundaries using the FAA B4UFLY app or LAANC provider apps. LAANC authorization is available for the MSP Class B area through FAA-approved providers.
• St. Paul Downtown Airport (Holman Field, STP) has Class D airspace approximately 5 NM in radius, directly covering downtown St. Paul, the West Side, and portions of the East Side. This is the most significant local airspace restriction for commercial drone operators in St. Paul. LAANC authorization is required for any flights within the STP Class D area. Holman Field handles corporate jets, charter flights, and general aviation traffic, making the airspace actively managed throughout business hours.
• The Mississippi National River and Recreation Area (National Park Service) corridor passes through St. Paul along the Mississippi River. The NPS prohibits drone takeoff and landing within the designated corridor without a special use permit. Commercial operators along the river corridor — including the areas near Harriet Island, Raspberry Island, and the Padelford Boat Landing — must coordinate with the NPS Mississippi River Visitor Center for any flights within the corridor.
• The Minnesota State Capitol grounds and the adjacent Minnesota National Guard Armory on Cedar Street may have periodic TFRs during political events, military ceremonies, or VIP visits. Commercial drone operators should check NOTAMs before flying near the Capitol complex, especially during legislative sessions. The 133rd Airlift Wing at MSP and the Arden Hills National Guard training site (TCAAP) approximately 10 NM north may also generate occasional TFRs affecting the broader St. Paul area.

Local Ordinances

St. Paul is governed by Minnesota state drone law (MN Statutes Chapter 360, including 360.0627 privacy provisions and 360.065 state UAS registration surcharge) with local regulations limited by state preemption of flight paths and navigable airspace. The City of St. Paul requires permits for commercial drone takeoff and landing on city-owned property, including St. Paul parks managed by the St. Paul Parks and Recreation Department. Como Park, Phalen Regional Park, and Harriet Island require prior authorization for commercial drone operations. The Mississippi National River and Recreation Area (National Park Service) corridor through St. Paul requires a special use permit for commercial drone operations. St. Paul Downtown Airport (Holman Field) Class D airspace covers most of downtown St. Paul — LAANC authorization is required for flights in the Class D area. The St. Paul Department of Safety and Inspections requires aerial imaging documentation for major development site plans submitted under the St. Paul Comprehensive Plan. Minnesota requires a $5 state UAS registration surcharge per aircraft for commercial operators under MN Statute 360.065, in addition to FAA registration.