Madison, Wisconsin Drone Laws

Overview

Madison is located in Wisconsin. Drone operations are governed by federal FAA regulations (14 CFR Part 107) and may be subject to state and local ordinances.

State Regulations & Statutes

Wisconsin has significant drone-specific statutes. Wis. Stat. § 942.10 prohibits use of a surveillance device — including drones — to observe individuals in private without consent, making violations a Class I felony. Wis. Stat. § 943.13 establishes criminal trespass via drone. Wisconsin DNR prohibits drone use in all state parks, natural areas, and wildlife areas without a permit. Madison is home to Dane County Regional Airport (KMSN) with Class C airspace, and the University of Wisconsin–Madison campus has its own strict drone policies.

Applicable Statutes & Penal Codes

• Wis. Stat. § 942.10: Use of drone for surveillance without consent is a Class I felony
• Wis. Stat. § 943.13: Criminal trespass via drone over private property
• Wisconsin DNR prohibits drone use in state parks and natural areas without a permit
• KMSN (Dane County Regional) Class C airspace — ATC authorization required for most of Madison
• University of Wisconsin–Madison campus: UW System policy prohibits unauthorized drone operations
• FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate required for commercial operations
• FAA drone registration required for all UAS over 0.55 lbs

Permits & Registration

Commercial operations: FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate required. Recreational: FAA drone registration required for UAS over 0.55 lbs. Wisconsin state park flights: DNR special use permit required. LAANC authorization required for KMSN Class C — use DroneZone or approved apps. UW–Madison campus flights: UW System requires prior written authorization from Facilities Planning and Management.

Official Statute Links

• https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/statutes/statutes/942/10
• https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/statutes/statutes/943/13
• https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/
• https://www.faa.gov/uas/commercial_operators/part_107/

Local Ordinances

Madison has drone-related restrictions managed through the City of Madison Parks Division and the Dane County Parks system. Madison's four lakes (Mendota, Monona, Waubesa, Kegonsa) create unique waterfront considerations. The Wisconsin State Capitol area warrants heightened caution as a sensitive government facility. The University of Wisconsin–Madison campus covers a substantial portion of central Madison and has its own drone prohibition policy through the UW System.

Local Restrictions & Rules

• Madison Parks Division: Drone operations in city parks require prior written approval
• Lake Mendota shoreline parks (James Madison Park, Tenney Park): Permit required
• Lake Monona waterfront (Law Park, Olin Park): Permit required from Madison Parks
• Wisconsin State Capitol grounds: Heightened sensitivity — contact Capitol Police before any flight
• University of Wisconsin–Madison campus: UW System policy prohibits unauthorized drone use
• Camp Randall Stadium: FAA TFR in effect on all Badgers football game days
• Olbrich Botanical Gardens: Private venue — drones prohibited
• Private property: Wis. Stat. § 943.13 criminal trespass applies

Local Contacts

• Parks & Planning: City of Madison Parks Division, (608) 266-4711, cityofmadison.com/parks

Nearby Airports & Airspace

Airspace restrictions apply near airports. Always check B4UFLY and LAANC before flying.

Local Flying Guide

Always verify conditions with local authorities and property owners before flight.

Potential Safe Flying Locations

• Rural farmland in Dane County south and east of Madison (outside KMSN Class C floor — verify on sectional chart)
• Token Creek County Park — Dane County Parks permit required; open meadow areas
• Ice Age Trail corridor segments in rural Dane County (check DNR permit requirements)
• Governor Nelson State Park — DNR permit required; open areas on Mendota's north shore

Areas to Avoid

• Dane County Regional Airport (KMSN) — Class C airspace, surface to 4,100 ft MSL within 5 nm
• University of Wisconsin–Madison campus — UW System prohibition on unauthorized UAS
• Camp Randall Stadium — FAA TFR on Badgers football game days
• Wisconsin State Capitol grounds — heightened security; contact Capitol Police first
• All Madison city parks without prior written Parks Division approval
• Lake Mendota and Lake Monona waterfront parks — permit required
• UW Research Park and biotech corridor — sensitive facilities

Weather Considerations

Madison has a humid continental climate with cold winters and warm, humid summers. Located on an isthmus between two lakes, Madison can experience unique local wind patterns and lake-effect moisture. Severe thunderstorms occur April through August. Winter brings persistent snow and temperatures regularly below 0°F, dramatically reducing battery performance. Check NWS Madison (weather.gov/mkx) for conditions.

Seasonal Tips

BEST: Late September–October (stable air, fall color, post-storm season) and late April–May before storm season peaks. AVOID: December–February (extreme cold, battery failure risk below -4°F, snow and ice); June–August afternoons during active severe weather periods. Lake Flying: Wind direction reverses between lake and land in warm months — expect turbulence at low altitudes near shorelines.

Compliance Checklist

• ✓ Federal FAA Part 107 or recreational exemption
• ✓ Wisconsin state regulations
• ✓ Madison local ordinances
• ✓ B4UFLY airspace check
• ✓ LAANC authorization if in controlled airspace
• ✓ Property owner permission
• ✓ Weather safety