St. Peters, MO Drone Rules: Recreational Drones (2026)

Section 245.010 defines an unmanned aircraft system (UAS) as an aircraft flown without an onboard human operator, using aerodynamic lift, capable of autonomous or remote piloting, and flown for hobby or recreational purposes, sustained in flight and kept within the visual line of sight of the person operating it. Section 245.010(B) requires every operator to also follow applicable federal and state rules as they change over time. Section 245.010(C) ties the aircraft to the visual line of sight of either the operator or a designated visual observer who stays in constant communication with the operator, and Section 245.010(D) bars intentionally flying over unsheltered persons or moving vehicles, or within twenty-five feet of any person, building or vehicle.

Section 245.010(E) and (F) forbid flying in adverse weather such as high winds or reduced visibility, and forbid operating or observing a flight while under the influence of alcohol or a controlled substance. Section 245.010(G) requires a safe operating environment and bars reckless or negligent flying that endangers life, property or a person's ordinary enjoyment of quiet and outdoor recreation. Section 245.010(H) adds a consent-based twenty-five-foot buffer around sensitive infrastructure such as power stations, water treatment facilities, correctional facilities and 35-mile-per-hour-plus roads, and Section 245.010(I) makes it unlawful to knowingly fly directly over private property without the owner's consent if the flight enters the property's immediate airspace and substantially interferes with the owner's use and enjoyment.

Section 245.010(J) confines flights to daylight or civil twilight with anti-collision lighting, and Section 245.010(K) caps aircraft weight at fifty-five pounds absent a federal or state exemption. Section 245.020 lets the City Administrator issue a certificate of waiver from the line-of-sight, distance or daylight rules on a written application.