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Fort Wayne, IN Drone Rules: Park Drone Restrictions (2026)

Significant Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Governing rule
No park takeoff/landing without Dept OK
Enforcing agency
Fort Wayne Parks & Recreation Dept.
Max fine
Up to $2,500
Also applies
Citywide UAS rules, Ch. 96

Summary

Fort Wayne code bans using any city park as a takeoff or landing field for aircraft, balloons, parachutes, hang gliders or other flying apparatus unless the Parks Department authorizes it first.

It shall be unlawful for any person to use a park as a starting or landing field for aircraft, hot air balloons, parachutes, hang gliders or other flying apparatus except as authorized by the Department.

View official code

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

Section 97.63 of the parks chapter makes it unlawful to use a park as a starting or landing field for aircraft, hot air balloons, parachutes, hang gliders, or other flying apparatus except as authorized by the Parks and Recreation Department. A drone is launched and landed from the ground, so operating one in a Fort Wayne park falls under this ban unless the Department has given permission. Citywide unmanned aircraft system rules in Chapter 96 apply on top of this park-specific limit.

Violations & Fines

Fort Wayne Police and the Ordinance Violations Bureau enforce park rules. A violation carries a fine of up to $2,500 and possible impoundment of the equipment used, per the chapter's general penalty section.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fly a drone at a Fort Wayne park?
Only with prior authorization from the Parks and Recreation Department; launching or landing without it violates § 97.63.
Does this section mention drones by name?
No. It bans using a park as a landing or starting field for aircraft or 'other flying apparatus,' which covers drone takeoffs and landings.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Fort Wayne

Noise Ordinances: Construction HoursSome RestrictionsEvent Drone RestrictionsSome RestrictionsAirport Proximity RulesSignificant RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Cat RulesSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: MicrochippingLight RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Pet Groomer RulesSome RestrictionsFire Regulations: Propane StorageSome RestrictionsLandscaping Rules: Tree Removal & Heritage TreesSome Restrictions

All Fort Wayne rules

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