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Wyandotte County, KS Drone Rules: Recreational Drones (2026)

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

Key Facts

Covered devices
UAVs under 55 lbs incl. payload
Impairment ban
no flying under alcohol/drugs
Weapon ban
no firearm or weapon attached
Consent rule
needed to fly over others' property
Penalty
class C misdemeanor
Adopted
Ord. No. O-144-22, 2022

Summary

Sec. 22-129 regulates recreational drone flights under 55 pounds in Wyandotte County/Kansas City, Kansas airspace, barring flights near non-consenting bystanders or over their property without consent, while impaired, carrying a weapon, or flown recklessly, unless FAA authority overrides the local rule.

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of Wyandotte County. Incorporated cities within the county may have their own rules that take precedence over county-level regulations.

(b)Operating regulations. Except as otherwise provided in subsection (c) and unless any of the following prohibitions are superseded by applicable state or federal law, no person shall operate any UAV for recreational purposes in city airspace:(1)Intentionally or negligently, and in such proximity to any person who is not involved in the operation of the UAV that is offensive to a reasonable expectation of safety from bodily harm, without such person's consent;...(4)While under the influence of alcohol, or other drug or drugs, that renders the operator incapable of operating the UAV;(5)That is equipped with a firearm or other weapon; or(6)Otherwise in a reckless or careless manner.

View official code

Full Breakdown

§ 44809 of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018, covering enjoyment, education and hobby flying. Subsection (b) then lists six operating restrictions for recreational flights in city airspace, unless superseded by state or federal law: flying intentionally or negligently too close to a non-consenting bystander in a way that threatens their safety; flying over an individual or an open-air event of more than 100 people without consent from both the venue and the event's organizer; flying over property the operator does not own without the owner's consent, with a carve-out for city-owned parks; flying while impaired by alcohol or drugs; equipping the UAV with a firearm or other weapon; and operating in an otherwise reckless or careless manner.

Subsection (d) contains a severability clause protecting the rest of the section if any part is struck down. The section was adopted by Ord. No. O-144-22, § 1, on October 13, 2022, filling a gap left after the code's former firearms-carrying subdivision was separately repealed in 2025.

Violations & Fines

Violating any of the six operating restrictions in Sec. 22-129(b) is a class C misdemeanor under subsection (e). Kansas City, Kansas police can cite a recreational operator for flying too close to bystanders, over a crowd or private property without consent, while impaired, with a weapon attached, or in a reckless manner.

Frequently Asked Questions

What size drone does the Wyandotte County ordinance cover?
Sec. 22-129 applies to unmanned aerial vehicles weighing less than 55 pounds at the time of operation, counting any payload or fuel, and flown for recreational purposes as defined under 49 U.S.C. § 44809 of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018.
Can I fly a recreational drone over my neighbor's yard?
No, not without consent. Subsection (b)(3) bars operating a UAV over property the operator does not own without the consent of the owner or another person lawfully occupying it, and the flight is also subject to any restrictions that owner imposes.
Is flying a drone while drinking illegal in Kansas City, Kansas?
Yes. Subsection (b)(4) makes it unlawful to operate a UAV while under the influence of alcohol or another drug to a degree that renders the operator incapable of safely operating the aircraft.
What is the penalty for breaking the local drone ordinance?
Violating any of the operating restrictions in Sec. 22-129(b), such as flying near bystanders, over uninvolved property, impaired, armed, or recklessly, is a class C misdemeanor under subsection (e) of the section.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Wyandotte County

Parking Rules: Overnight ParkingSome RestrictionsParking Rules: RV & Boat ParkingFew RestrictionsPark Drone RestrictionsSome RestrictionsEvent Drone RestrictionsSignificant RestrictionsCommercial DronesFew RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Decibel LimitsSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Loading ZonesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Snow Removal Parking RulesSignificant RestrictionsParking Rules: Commercial & Oversized VehiclesSignificant Restrictions

All Wyandotte County rules

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