Drone Rules in Seattle, WA (2026)
4 verified drone rules for Seattle, Washington, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Recreational Drones
Recreational drone use in Seattle is primarily governed by FAA federal regulations, with local restrictions on flights in parks and near critical infrastructure; the city does not have a standalone drone ordinance but enforces general safety and privacy laws.
Seattle Recreational Drone Flying Rules
Some RestrictionsCommercial Drones
Commercial drone operations in Seattle require FAA Part 107 certification and may need additional local permits for use in parks, over events, or near critical infrastructure, with Seattle's dense airspace requiring careful flight planning.
Seattle Commercial Drone Permit Rules
Some Restrictions14 CFR Part 107 — Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (FAA Commercial Operators)
Certificated Remote Pilots including Commercial Operators — The Operations Over People rule became effective on April 21, 2021. Drone pilots operating under Part 107 may fly at night, over people and moving vehicles without a waiver as long as they meet the requirements defined in the rule. Airspace authorizations are still required for night operations in controlled airspace under 400 feet. If...
Airport Proximity Rules
FAA controlled-airspace rules govern Seattle drone flights. Sea-Tac (KSEA) and Boeing Field (KBFI) blanket most of the city in Class B or D airspace, requiring LAANC pre-authorization or Part 107 waiver before takeoff.
LAANC Authorization Required Near Sea-Tac and Boeing Field
Heavy RestrictionsFAA UAS Data Exchange — LAANC (Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability)
LAANC is the Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability, a collaboration between FAA and Industry. It directly supports UAS integration into the airspace. LAANC provides: Drone pilots with access to controlled airspace at or below 400 feet. Awareness of where pilots can and cannot fly. Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFR) information and updates to the Special Use Airspace (SUA) sche...
Event Drone Restrictions
FAA Temporary Flight Restrictions and the federal stadium rule prohibit drone flights over Seahawks, Mariners, Sounders, and Kraken games at Lumen Field, T-Mobile Park, and Climate Pledge Arena, plus Seafair, marathons, and presidential visits.
TFRs and Stadium Rules Ban Drones Over Major Seattle Events
Heavy RestrictionsLooking for King County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Seattle city rules.
Drone Rules in King County →