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West Allis, WI Drone Rules: Recreational Drones (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Adopted
Ord. O-2026-0410, 5/19/2026
Max forfeiture
$5,000
Underlying statute
Wis. Stat. § 114.045

Summary

West Allis bans operating a drone in ways that violate Wisconsin's drone-privacy statute, backing the state law with a local forfeiture of up to $5,000 under its own Revised Municipal Code section.

No person may operate a drone, as defined in Wis. Stat. 941.292(1), in a manner contrary to Wis. Stat. 114.045. Any person who violates this section may be required to forfeit not more than $5,000. To the extent required by Wis. Stat. 114.045(3), a law enforcement officer investigating a violation of this subsection shall seize any photograph, motion picture, other visual representation, or data that represents a visual image that was created or recorded by a drone during an alleged violation of this section. HISTORY Adopted by Ord. O-2026-0410 on 5/19/2026

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: ?).

Full Breakdown

Adopted May 19, 2026 by Ord. O-2026-0410, Revised Municipal Code § 10.25 prohibits operating a drone, as defined in Wis. Stat. § 941.292(1), in a manner contrary to Wis. Stat. § 114.045 (the state law limiting drone surveillance and harassment). It does not ban recreational flying generally: only operation that violates the state statute. A West Allis officer investigating an alleged violation must seize any photo, video, or other data the drone recorded during the incident, and a violator may be fined up to $5,000.

Violations & Fines

Operating a drone in a manner that violates Wis. Stat. § 114.045 (e.g., surveillance or harassment uses) is a local ordinance violation carrying a forfeiture of up to $5,000, plus mandatory seizure of any recorded images or data.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fly a recreational drone in West Allis?
Yes, generally, § 10.25 only bans operating a drone in ways that violate Wis. Stat. § 114.045, not recreational flying itself.
What happens if I violate West Allis's drone rule?
You can be fined up to $5,000, and police must seize any photos or video the drone recorded during the violation.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in West Allis

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All West Allis rules

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