Drone Rules in Pierce County, WA (2026)
3 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 2 cities in Pierce County, Washington.
Verified from official government sources
Recreational Drones
Unincorporated Pierce County lets the FAA govern where drones may fly, but the Parks and Recreation Department bars recreational drone flights inside its own park system unless the Director designates a spot for it. Fly a drone in a Pierce County park without that designation or authorization and you are committing a Class 3 Civil Infraction, enforced by park staff and the Sheriff's Department.
Pierce County Parks Ban Recreational Drones
Significant RestrictionsPierce County Code 14.08.100.B
B. Model aircraft, drones, and rockets: 1. It is unlawful to operate motorized model aircraft, drones, unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), or unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) except as specifically designated for that use or as otherwise authorized by the Director. 2. All engines over .25 CI used in model aircraft shall be muffled. 3. All persons flying model aircraft shall abide by the official Amer...
Park Drone Restrictions
Pierce County's Park Code bans flying drones, model aircraft, and model rockets anywhere in the park system except in areas the Parks and Recreation Director specifically designates or otherwise authorizes. PCC 14.08.040 separately requires a permit from the Director before operating a drone in any park, so recreational pilots face both a location restriction and a permit requirement enforced by park rangers and the Sheriff's Department.
Drone Flights Banned in Pierce County Parks
Significant RestrictionsPCC 14.08.100.B.1
It is unlawful to operate motorized model aircraft, drones, unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), or unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) except as specifically designated for that use or as otherwise authorized by the Director.
Event Drone Restrictions
Flying a drone in a Pierce County park, including over a permitted festival, parade or show, requires a permit from the Parks Director first. PCC 14.08.040(L) bars unpermitted drone operation outright, and PCC 14.08.100(B)(1) separately makes it unlawful to fly a drone except in a specifically designated area or with the Director's authorization.
Pierce County Park Drone Permit Rule
Significant RestrictionsPierce County Code 14.08.040(L)
It shall be unlawful in any park, without first securing a permit from the Director or designee, for any person to: ... L. Operate drones, aircraft, model aircraft, model rockets, or hot air balloons;
Drone Rules by City in Pierce County
2 cities in Pierce County have their own drone rules rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.
All Pierce County ordinances
See every category we cover for Pierce County: parking, noise, fences, fires, animals, pools, and more.
Pierce County Ordinance Hub →