Local drone laws in Wisconsin refer to policies and regulations that are enacted and enforced at the county, city, or town levels.

Waukesha County

A permit is required to fly a drone in any Waukesha County Park. The permit is valid for one year from the purchase date. The no-charge application process can be done online.

Ref Forms and Permit Requests

Kenosha County

Prohibits the possession or operation of any remote-controlled or self-propelled aircraft or other airborne devices in any County park.

Ref Municipal Code Sec. 10.70

City of Hudson

Prohibits the use of drones to invade personal space, including observing, photographing, or recording people in places where there should be reasonable expectation of privacy.

Ref City Ordinance 2015-019

City of Chetek

Creates a Height Limitation Zoning Map around the Chetek Municipal Airport. Drones are expected to comply with this zoning map with regards to their maximum altitude.

Ref Code of Ordinances Sec. 118-89

City of Green Bay

Prohibits drone flight below 400 feet altitude within the designated boundaries of a special event during the scheduled time of the event.

Ref Code of Ordinances Sec 24-122

Town of Greenfield

Places several restrictions on drone operations such as landing within 100 feet of a person, flying within 500 feet of public gatherings of more than 100 people, and flying in a manner that endangers the safety of people or property.

Ref Code of Ordinances Chapter 10.35

University of Wisconsin – La Crosse

Operating a drone within the University of Wisconsin – La Crosse requires securing permission and filling out a checklist. Third-party or hobbyist operators must have liability insurance. Drones must remain at least 100 feet away from the building.

Ref UWL Unmanned Aircraft Systems Checklist

University of Wisconsin – Whitewater

• Any university employee or student planning to operate a UAS over university lands or property as part of their duties or research needs to contact the university’s risk management department. Such operations are not considered under the hobby category and must be done with the corresponding license or exemption requirement.
• Third-party drone pilots must secure approval from the university’s risk management department before they can operate drones over university lands or property.
• All drone operators must provide proof of insurance with liability coverage.
• Drones must not be used to monitor or record in areas where there is reasonable expectation of privacy.

Ref UW-Whitewater Policy for the Use of UAS on University Property

Western Technical College

Drone operations in Western Technical College will only be allowed for instructional use, institutional use, or contractor use. For contractors doing College-related work, liability insurance will be required.

Drones shall not be used to monitor or record areas where there is a reasonable expectation of privacy. These include restrooms, locker rooms, residential rooms, changing rooms, daycare facilities, and health treatment rooms. They shall also not be used to monitor or record sensitive institutional or personal information.

Ref Procedure for the Operation of Unmanned Aircraft Systems or Vehicles