Commercial Drones: Auburn vs Kent
How do commercial drones rules compare between Auburn, WA and Kent, WA?
Auburn and Kent have similar restriction levels.
Auburn, WA
King County
Commercial drone operations in Auburn must comply with FAA 14 CFR Part 107 including Remote Pilot certification. Airspace around Auburn Municipal Airport requires LAANC authorization for operation.
View full Auburn rules →Kent, WA
King County
Commercial drone operations in Kent require FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certification, Remote ID compliance, and LAANC authorization for flights in the SEA and Boeing Field controlled airspace that covers much of Kent.
View full Kent rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Auburn | Kent |
|---|---|---|
| Federal Rule | 14 CFR Part 107 Remote Pilot cert | - |
| Airspace | LAANC required near S50 | - |
| Max Altitude | 400 feet AGL typical | - |
| Business License | Auburn ACC Title 5 if operating in city | - |
| Part 107 Cert | - | Required, 175 dollars |
| LAANC | - | Required near SEA and BFI |
| Altitude | - | Under 400 ft AGL |
| Renewal | - | Every 24 months |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Auburn FAQ
Do I need an FAA Part 107 cert for real estate drone photography in Auburn?
Yes. Any drone flight in furtherance of a business, including real estate photography, requires a current Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate under federal law.
Can I fly a commercial drone downtown Auburn without airspace approval?
No. Downtown Auburn sits within the controlled airspace of S50 Auburn Municipal Airport, so LAANC authorization or an FAA waiver is required before each flight.
Kent FAQ
Does Kent issue a city permit for drone photography?
Kent does not have a separate commercial drone permit. You need FAA Part 107 certification and LAANC authorization for the airspace. A Parks permit is needed if launching or landing in a Kent park under KCC 4.01.060.
Can I fly a drone for my real estate business over Kent rooftops?
Yes, with Part 107 certification, the drone registered, LAANC airspace authorization, and homeowner consent to launch or land on their property. Flights over non-participating people require Category 1-4 compliance under Part 107.145.
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