As used in this chapter, the following terms shall have the
meanings indicated:
DRONE/UNMANNED AERIAL VEHICLE (UAV)
A powered, aerial vehicle that carries or is equipped with
a device that in analog, digital, or other form gathers, records,
or transmits a sound or image, that does not carry a human operator,
uses aerodynamic forces to provide vehicle lift, and can fly autonomously
or is piloted remotely.
OPERATOR
The person or persons responsible for the control of a drone
or unmanned aerial vehicle. Term also applies to owner/operator of
autonomous drones/aerial vehicles.
No person shall operate his/her drone in violation of the following
provisions set forth in this chapter:
A. No person shall launch, operate, or land a drone/UAV outside their
visual line of sight. "Visual line of sight" means natural or corrected
vision and not the usage of binoculars, telescopes, cameras, or other
visual aids.
B. No person shall launch or land a drone/UAV from private property
without the consent of the owner.
C. No person shall launch, land or operate a UAV in a manner so as to
endanger the safety of any person or property. The operation of a
UAV while under the influence of intoxicants or any other drug constitutes
reckless operation.
D. No person shall operate a UAV in such a way as to harass, intimidate
or otherwise cause a disturbance.
E. No person shall launch, land, or operate a UAV within 500 feet of
any law enforcement, jail or municipal lockup facility.
F. No person shall launch, land or operate a UAV within 500 feet of
any active law enforcement, firefighting or emergency response incident.
G. No person shall launch, land or operate any UAV within 500 feet of
a school while school is in session or during school-sponsored events
without prior authorization of the principal of the school or district
administration.
H. No person shall use a drone/UAV with the intent to photograph, record,
or observe another individual in a place or location where the individual
has a reasonable expectation of privacy. This subsection does not
apply to a law enforcement officer authorized to use a drone pursuant
to § 175.55(2), Wis. Stats.
I. All operators must abide by additional regulations set forth by the
FAA regarding the usage of drones or unmanned aerial vehicles.
The following exemptions shall apply to this chapter with regard to prohibited operations found in §
214-2 of this chapter:
A. Public safety officials including law enforcement and fire safety
shall be exempt from operating limitations while using drones or unmanned
aerial vehicles in their official capacity.