Wisconsin Statute 114.045 preempts most local drone regulation, reserving authority to the state and FAA. Recreational pilots must follow federal Part 107 hobbyist rules and Wisconsin's drone-privacy criminal statute.
Wis. Stat. section 114.045 prohibits political subdivisions from enacting any ordinance regulating drones. Recreational flyers must comply with FAA recreational rules including the TRUST test, registration of drones over 250 grams, Remote ID, and 400-foot altitude limits. Wis. Stat. section 175.55 makes it a Class A misdemeanor to use a drone with intent to photograph a person who has a reasonable expectation of privacy without consent. Wis. Stat. section 941.292 prohibits weaponized drones. Hunting or interfering with hunting using drones is barred under Wis. Stat. 29.083. Local governments may regulate launch and recovery from public parks but not flight itself.
Privacy drone violations under 175.55 carry up to 9 months jail and $10,000 fines. Weaponizing a drone is a Class H felony. FAA violations may result in federal civil penalties.
Appleton, WI
Appleton considers excessive barking a nuisance. Animal control handles complaints. WI Stat. §174 covers dog regulation statewide.
Appleton, WI
Appleton enforces quiet hours 10 PM to 7 AM. The Fox Valley's largest city (pop. 75,000) home to Lawrence University manages noise from College Avenue nightl...
Appleton, WI
Appleton regulates amplified music under the general noise ordinance. Sound amplification permits available for events. WI Stat. §947.01 applies.
Appleton, WI
Appleton restricts commercial vehicle parking in residential zones. Weight, size, and signage limits apply. Overnight heavy truck storage prohibited.
Appleton, WI
Appleton enforces winter alternate-side parking November through April. Downtown College Avenue has metered parking. Packers game-day traffic from nearby Gre...
Appleton, WI
Appleton requires vehicles parked on improved surfaces. Front lawn parking prohibited. Driveway modifications require permits.
See how Appleton's recreational drones rules stack up against other locations.
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