Perth Drone No-Fly Zones & Bylaw Penalties

Technology and Data Western Australia 3 Minutes Read · published February 11, 2026 Flag of Western Australia

Introduction

Perth, Western Australia requires drone operators to follow national air safety rules and any local bylaws or park restrictions that apply within the City of Perth and surrounding public lands. This guide explains where drones are commonly restricted, which authorities enforce rules, typical penalties and practical steps to apply for approvals, report breaches or appeal decisions in Perth.

Penalties & Enforcement

Drone safety and airspace compliance in Perth are governed by federal aviation rules and local municipal bylaws or park regulations where those local instruments apply. The federal regulator sets core operational limits; local authorities enforce bylaw breaches on council land or where a specific local law applies.[1]

Fine amounts, escalation and exact non-monetary sanctions for drone use on City of Perth land are not specified on the cited City of Perth pages, and federal pages list operational restrictions rather than municipal fine schedules; see the official sources cited below for the controlling instruments and contact points.[2]

  • Fines: not specified on the cited page.
  • Escalation (first/repeat/continuing offences): not specified on the cited page.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: orders to stop activity, seizure of equipment or court action may be available under local laws or federal enforcement; exact measures are not specified on the cited page.
  • Enforcers: City of Perth By-law/Regulatory Compliance for council land; Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) for airspace/aviation rule breaches.
  • Inspection and complaints: report to City of Perth regulatory services for council land incidents; CASA receives aviation safety reports for airspace violations.
  • Appeals and reviews: appeal routes depend on the issuing agency—local bylaw notices typically provide review rights in the notice or local law; CASA administrative decisions have defined review or internal review pathways. Time limits are not specified on the cited page.
Check the specific notice or ticket for exact appeal deadlines and procedures.

Applications & Forms

Permits or approvals for organised drone use on City of Perth land (for example, events or commercial filming) may be required under event, filming or park permit processes; the City does not publish a single dedicated drone permit form on its general local laws page, and specific application forms or fee schedules are not specified on the cited City pages.[2]

If you plan commercial drone work, contact the City early to confirm permits and site-specific conditions.

Common Violations and Typical Outcomes

  • Flying in restricted zones (near aerodromes or controlled airspace): reported to CASA and local authorities.
  • Operating over crowds or within prohibited distances of people or buildings: local enforcement action or removal from site may occur.
  • Failure to obtain local council permission for organised events using drones: council may issue fines or require cessation.
National air safety rules set operational limits while councils manage use on local land.

Action Steps

  • Check CASA operational rules and airspace maps before flying and obtain any required CASA approvals for controlled aerodromes.[1]
  • Contact City of Perth regulatory services when planning drone operations on council land or for commercial/filming events to confirm if a permit is required.
  • If you receive a notice, follow the instructions for payment or review and note any appeal time limits in the notice.

FAQ

Can I fly a recreational drone anywhere in Perth?
Not necessarily; you must follow national rules and avoid restricted airspace and council-managed restrictions—check CASA airspace guidance and contact the City for council land restrictions.
Who enforces drone rules in Perth?
The City of Perth enforces local bylaws on council land; CASA enforces aviation safety and airspace rules.
Is there a specific City of Perth drone permit form?
No single dedicated drone permit form is published on the City general local laws page; event or filming permits may apply and should be sought from City regulatory services.

How-To

  1. Plan: check CASA operational limits and local council land rules before scheduling a flight.
  2. Contact: email or call City of Perth regulatory services to confirm permits for council land or events.
  3. Apply: submit any event/filming permit applications required by the City with supporting details about location, time and risk mitigation.
  4. Comply: retain approvals, follow conditions and carry proof on site; if issued a notice, follow the payment or appeal instructions promptly.

Key Takeaways

  • CASA governs airspace and core drone safety rules relevant across Perth.
  • The City of Perth enforces bylaws on council land; check with the City for permits.
  • If unsure, contact regulators before flying to avoid enforcement action.

Help and Support / Resources

    Categories

    General Governance and Administration Public Safety Public Health and Welfare Land Use and Zoning Housing and Building Standards Transportation Environmental Protection Parks and Public Spaces Business and Consumer Protection Taxation and Finance Labor and Employment Education Civil Rights and Equity Elections and Campaign Finance Events and Special Uses Signs and Advertising Utilities and Infrastructure Technology and Data