Pierce County, WA Drone Rules: Park Drone Restrictions (2026)

100, the Park Code's Aircraft section, treats drones, unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) the same as motorized model aircraft and model rockets. 1 makes it unlawful to operate any of them in the park system except where a specific area has been designated for that use or the Director of Pierce County Parks and Recreation has otherwise authorized the flight. 3 requires pilots to follow the American Model Academy safety code. L, which separately lists 'operate drones, aircraft, model aircraft, model rockets, or hot air balloons' among the activities that require a permit from the Director before they can occur in any park at all.

B). The Director may deny, restrict, or relocate a requested activity if it would unduly disturb the safety, comfort, or convenience of park users or neighboring areas. 16, and a violator is also subject to immediate ejection from the park system. Both the Parks Director's designees and the Pierce County Sheriff's Department are authorized to enforce these park rules. The prohibition applies countywide across Pierce County Parks and Recreation property, but has no bearing on drone flights outside county park boundaries, which fall under FAA and other state or federal airspace rules instead.