Wichita, KS Drone Rules: Park Drone Restrictions (2026)
Key Facts
- Where drones may fly
- Only in areas posted/designated by the director
- Governing section
- Wichita Municipal Code Sec. 9.03.320
- Enforcing agencies
- Park and Recreation Director, Wichita Police
- Max penalty
- $500 fine (misdemeanor)
- Park hours without a permit
- Closed midnight to 6:00 a.m.
- Appeal path
- City manager, then city council, 10 days each
Summary
Flying a motorized remote-control aircraft on Wichita park property is confined to spots the Park and Recreation Department has posted for that use. Sec. 9.03.320 of the Code of the City of Wichita bars operating motor-driven airplanes, boats, cars or model rockets anywhere else on park land, backed by the same misdemeanor penalty as other park-rule violations.
Sec. 9.03.320. - Model airplanes, boats, cars or model rockets. The operation of motor-driven airplanes, boats, cars or model rockets is prohibited on park property except in designated areas. ... Sec. 9.03.540. - Violation—Penalty. (a)It is a misdemeanor for any person to knowingly and willfully violate any provision of this chapter.(b)Every person who is convicted of violating the provisions of this chapter may be punished by a fine of not more than five hundred dollars ($500.00).
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 35).
Full Breakdown
03 of the Wichita Municipal Code governs conduct on 'park property,' defined as any real property owned or controlled by the city or the Board of Park Commissioners and designated for park or recreational use. Sec. 320 is titled 'Model airplanes, boats, cars or model rockets' and confines the operation of any motor-driven airplane, boat, car or model rocket, the category the department applies to recreational and hobby drones as motor-driven, remotely piloted aircraft, to areas the department has designated and posted for that purpose; flying one anywhere else on park land is unlawful.
Enforcement runs through Sec. 020: the Director of Park and Recreation, together with the Chief of Police or their designees, enforces the chapter, and a chapter violation stands in addition to any other city, state or federal violation the same conduct may trigger. The director or chief of police may also enter park property at any time under Sec. 030 to inspect for compliance. The chapter's general hours rule, Sec. , so a drone flight after hours needs a permit even inside a designated flying area. City-owned vehicles and personnel on official business are the only carve-out from the chapter, under Sec. 060.
Violations & Fines
Sec. 9.03.540 makes it a misdemeanor for any person to knowingly and willfully violate any provision of Chapter 9.03, including the model-aircraft restriction. A conviction carries a fine of up to $500. The director may additionally exclude a violator from park property or facilities under Sec. 9.03.530, with an appeal running first to the city manager and then to the city council under Sec. 9.03.150, each appeal due in writing within ten days of the decision being mailed or delivered.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I fly my drone in any Wichita city park?
Who enforces the drone rule in parks?
What's the penalty for flying a drone outside a designated area?
Can I fly a drone in a park before sunrise?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Wichita
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