Recreational drones in Dane County follow FAA rules (49 USC §44809): TRUST test, registration if over 0.55 lbs, 400-ft ceiling, VLOS. Madison/Dane County Regional Airport (MSN) Class C airspace restricts flights. Madison Parks prohibit launches without permit.
Recreational drone use throughout Dane County is primarily governed by FAA Exception for Recreational Flyers (49 USC §44809). Operators must register drones weighing more than 0.55 lbs with the FAA ($5, 3-year term), pass the free TRUST safety test, fly below 400 feet AGL, maintain visual line of sight (VLOS), and avoid other aircraft. Dane County Regional Airport (MSN) in Madison has Class C controlled airspace extending 5 nautical miles; flights require LAANC authorization. Truax Field Air National Guard base adds military airspace considerations. Madison Parks Division prohibits drone takeoff and landing in city parks without a written permit (MGO §8.12 park use rules). State Capitol grounds, UW-Madison campus, and Camp Randall Stadium are no-fly zones during events. Lake Mendota, Monona, Waubesa, and Kegonsa shorelines are popular flying areas subject to FAA Remote ID rules. Night flying requires anti-collision lights visible 3 statute miles.
FAA violations under 14 CFR Part 107/§44809: $1,000 to $27,500. Madison park violations: $50 to $500. Reckless operation near airports: potential federal criminal charges.
Dane County, WI
Dane County municipalities regulate leaf blowers under local noise ordinances. Wisconsin has no statewide gas blower ban. Madison General Ordinance 24.04 imp...
Dane County, WI
Madison enforces a citywide Alternate Side Parking rule (MGO §12.76) from March 15 to March 14 annually between 1:00 AM and 7:00 AM. Fitchburg, Middleton, Ve...
Dane County, WI
EV charger installations in Dane County are governed by the Wisconsin DSPS Uniform Dwelling Code (UDC) and state electrical code SPS 316 based on NEC Article...
Dane County, WI
Dane County municipalities allow wood (cedar, treated pine), vinyl, wrought iron, chain-link, and composite fencing. Madison General Ordinance §28 zoning spe...
Dane County, WI
Wisconsin UDC SPS 390 and the state-adopted ISPSC require all residential pools and spas to be surrounded by a minimum 48-inch barrier with self-closing, sel...
Dane County, WI
Smoke detector requirements in unincorporated Dane County are set by Wisconsin state law, not the county. Wis. Stat. §101.645 requires functional smoke detec...
See how Dane County's recreational drones rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.