Fort Wayne, IN Drone Rules: Event Drone Restrictions (2026)
Key Facts
- Buffer distance
- 500 yards from public events
- Compliance path
- prior notification to the city
- Max fine
- up to $500 per violation
- Enforcement
- Fort Wayne Police Department
- Exempt
- city employees, contracted government UAS ops
Summary
Fort Wayne bars drone takeoff, landing, or overflight within 500 yards of any permitted public event unless the operator notifies the city in advance.
(D) Prohibited unmanned aircraft system activities. (1) For UAS takeoff and landing within the city, it shall be unlawful without prior notification to the city for a person to use or operate an UAS within five hundred (500) yard horizontal radius of, or anywhere above, a public event.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-60: Supplement contains: Local legislation current through Ord. G-19-26, passed 7-14-26, and Res. 83-19, passed 12-17-19 State legislation current through Legislative Service, 2025 Acts, Pamphlet No. 3).
Full Breakdown
Under city code § 96.30(D)(1), flying a UAS for takeoff or landing within a 500-yard horizontal radius of, or anywhere above, a permitted public event is unlawful without prior notification to the city. "Public event" covers any game, contest, parade, rally, celebration or gathering with a city permit, in public or private space. Operators must first notify the city, providing operator identification, FAA registration and pilot certificate numbers, and the proposed area and time of flight. The restriction does not apply to city employees or contractors operating UAS in the course of their duties, or to government agencies flying for a government purpose.
Violations & Fines
Violating § 96.30 carries a fine up to $500 per offense under § 96.99, and the city may impound the UAS and its control box for up to three business days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I fly a drone over a festival in Fort Wayne?
What happens if I fly over an event without notifying the city?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Fort Wayne
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