How Ashwaubenon Handles Drone Rules: A Practical Guide

If you live in Ashwaubenon or are thinking about moving there, drone rules are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. Ashwaubenon has 3 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of drone rules, and some of them might surprise you.

Event Drone Restrictions

The Village of Ashwaubenon bars drone takeoffs and landings within 100 feet of any Village-permitted or Village-sponsored public event unless the operator has written or electronic permission from the Village. During designated Special Events, flying a drone is unlawful within the event boundaries from one hour before to one hour after the scheduled time, absent organizer or Village approval.

Key details: Event buffer: 100 feet of a Village-permitted or sponsored event. Special Event window: 1 hour before, during, and after the event. Fine: $500 per violation, each day a separate offense. Permission required: Written or electronic consent from the Village. Exempt: Public UAS operated by government agencies.

Violating any part of § 9-1-18, including the event buffer and Special Event restrictions, is punishable by a $500 fine per violation under § 9-1-18(G). Each day, or portion of a day, that a violation continues counts as a separate offense, so repeated flights during a single event can multiply the fine quickly. The Village may also pursue any other remedy available under the Municipal Code or state and federal law.

Compared to other cities, Ashwaubenon takes a harder line on event drone restrictions. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.

Airport Proximity Rules

Ashwaubenon Municipal Code § 9-1-18(C) bars drone takeoffs and landings within 1,500 horizontal feet of any aircraft, including another drone, and separately bars flying contrary to any FAA airspace restriction tied to airport proximity, Temporary Flight Restrictions, or designated sporting events. The 1,500-foot rule yields to any FAA waiver issued under 47 CFR Part 107.

Key details: Aircraft buffer: 1,500 horizontal feet from any aircraft. FAA airspace rule: No flight contrary to FAA airport-proximity restrictions. Waiver exception: 47 CFR Part 107 FAA waiver overrides buffer. Fine: $500 per violation, each day a separate offense. Exempt: Public UAS flown for a government agency.

A violation of either the 1,500-foot aircraft buffer or the FAA airspace and airport-proximity rule in § 9-1-18(C) carries a $500 fine per violation under § 9-1-18(G), with each day a violation continues counted as a separate offense. The Village may pursue this penalty in addition to any other remedy available under the Municipal Code, Wisconsin law, or federal aviation law.

This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Ashwaubenon actively enforces its airport proximity rules requirements.

Recreational Drones

Ashwaubenon requires drone operators to keep their aircraft within visual line of sight, stay 25 feet from other people, and get written or electronic landowner consent before taking off or landing on private property. Extra buffers apply near public events, schools and emergency scenes, with violations fined $500 per day.

Key details: Governing section: Ashwaubenon Municipal Code § 9-1-18. Fine per violation: $500, each day separate. Distance from bystanders: 25 feet minimum. Distance from public safety facilities: 500 feet minimum. Private property landing: requires owner's written/electronic consent.

Section 9-1-18(G) sets a flat fine of $500 per violation, and each day or part of a day that a violation continues is a separate and subsequent offense, on top of any other penalty available under the Municipal Code or state or federal law. Because the ordinance explicitly does not preempt FAA authority, a drone operator can also face separate federal enforcement for the same flight.

This is one of the stricter rules in Ashwaubenon's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.

The Bottom Line

Ashwaubenon is tougher than many cities when it comes to drone rules. Out of the 3 rules covered here, 3 are rated strict. If you are a homeowner, renter, or business owner in Ashwaubenon, take the time to understand these requirements before they become a problem. Most violations come with fines, and some repeat violations can escalate.

These rules come from Ashwaubenon's publicly available municipal code. For complete penalty schedules, exemption details, and answers to common questions, see the individual ordinance pages throughout this guide.