Connecticut law (Conn. Gen. Stat. § 7-148(c)) allows towns to regulate the recreational use of unmanned aircraft on town-owned property — the state's preemption of commercial UAS regulation does not extend to recreational drones. New Milford's town ordinances (jud.ct.gov/lawlib/ordinances.htm) govern town parks, beaches, and other public property. Recreational drone pilots must also comply with FAA rules (14 CFR Part 107 hobbyist rules / Recreational Flyer requirement) including registration and remote ID.
New Milford, CT (Litchfield County) regulates recreational drone takeoff and landing on town-owned property through the Town Clerk's posted ordinances and Parks & Recreation rules. Connecticut General Statutes § 7-148(c) authorizes towns to adopt ordinances for park use, public safety, and protection of property — courts and the state DEEP have confirmed this authority covers recreational drone takeoffs/landings in town parks (the statewide preemption in P.A. 17-52 covers only commercial UAS). New Milford's town parks (Lynn Deming Park, Patterson Park, Hidden Treasure Lake) typically prohibit unmanned-aircraft takeoffs and landings without specific permission. FAA-mandated Recreational Flyer rules apply nationwide: pilots must register their drone if it weighs more than 0.55 lb, fly under 400 ft AGL, maintain visual line of sight, broadcast Remote ID, complete the TRUST safety test, and avoid controlled airspace without LAANC authorization. Contact New Milford Parks & Recreation (860-355-6050) before launching from any town park.
Launching or landing a recreational drone on town-owned property without authorization is a town ordinance violation subject to fines under the town's general penalty schedule. Federal violations (no registration, no Remote ID, controlled-airspace breach) are enforced by the FAA with civil penalties up to $32,666 per violation and possible criminal charges.
See how New Milford's recreational drones rules stack up against other locations.
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