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Wichita Falls, TX Drone Rules: Recreational Drones (2026)

Light Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified August 2026

Key Facts

Citation
City Code § 82-66
Restricted area
West of Lake Wichita Park runway
Buffer
500 ft of active softball backstops
Penalty
Fine up to $500 (§ 1-14)
Airspace authority
FAA controls drones nationwide

Summary

Wichita Falls has no citywide drone ordinance, the FAA governs airspace, but radio-controlled model aircraft, including recreational drones, cannot be flown in the western section of Lake Wichita Park or near active softball backstops there.

Radio-controlled model aircraft shall not be flown in Lake Wichita Park west of the existing concrete runway, as extended, or within 500 feet of either of the softball backstops located east of the runway, as extended, when any such backstop is being used.

View official code

Full Breakdown

Under City Code § 82-66, radio-controlled model aircraft, the category recreational drones fall into locally, cannot be flown west of the existing concrete runway in Lake Wichita Park, or within 500 feet of either softball backstop east of the runway while that backstop is in use. The FAA controls most drone airspace nationwide through its Part 107 and recreational-flyer rules, and federal preemption limits how much cities can regulate beyond that. Wichita Falls has not adopted a separate citywide drone ordinance, this park-use restriction, aimed originally at RC model planes, is the only local rule that touches recreational drone flying.

Violations & Fines

Section 82-66 lists no specific penalty, so it falls under the city's general penalty clause (§ 1-14): a fine up to $500, with each day of violation a separate offense.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Wichita Falls have a citywide drone ordinance?
No. The only local rule is a park-use restriction on radio-controlled model aircraft in Lake Wichita Park (§ 82-66). Altitude, registration and airspace rules for recreational drones come from the FAA, not the city.
Where can I fly a recreational drone in Wichita Falls?
Most of the city has no local drone restriction. In Lake Wichita Park, stay east of the concrete runway and at least 500 feet from softball backstops that are in use.
What happens if I violate the park model-aircraft rule?
Section 82-66 sets no specific penalty, so it falls under the city's general penalty (§ 1-14): a fine up to $500, with each day treated as a separate offense.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Wichita Falls

Park Drone RestrictionsSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Amplified Music & Outdoor SoundSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Decibel LimitsSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Vehicle NoiseSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Loading ZonesLight RestrictionsParking Rules: Abandoned VehiclesSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Retaining WallsSome Restrictions

All Wichita Falls rules

Texas rules heatmap·Compare Wichita Falls to another location·View the Texas drone rules overview

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