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

Significant Restrictions

Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Governing section: CCC § 9.06.050(N)
Rule: Drones banned except in county-designated, posted areas
Federal overlay: Drones must still follow FAA regulations
First-offense fine: $75.00 civil infraction
Enforcing agency: Public Works Director; law enforcement

Summary

Unincorporated Cowlitz County bans operating drones and other radio-controlled or self-propelled models in county parks except in areas the county specifically designates and posts for that use. The Park Code requires any permitted flying to also follow FAA regulations.

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of Cowlitz County. Incorporated cities within the county may have their own rules that take precedence over county-level regulations.

Drones. Operating any radio/remote controlled or self-propelled model airplane, glider, car, boat or any model rocket except in areas specifically designated by the county and posted for such use. All drones must be operated per FAA regulations.

View official code

Full Breakdown

050(N) lists "Drones" among the Park Code's prohibited acts, barring the operation of any radio- or remote-controlled or self-propelled model airplane, glider, car, boat, or model rocket, except in areas the county specifically designates and posts for such use; the same subsection requires that all drones be operated per FAA regulations. " Because the rule bars drone operation everywhere in a county park unless the Public Works Director has designated and posted a specific flying area, a visitor cannot assume a park is open to drone use; they must look for posted signage identifying an authorized area. 025.

Violations & Fines

Flying a drone outside a posted, designated area in a county park is a civil infraction under CCC § 9.06.100: $75.00 for a first offense, $150.00 for a second, and $300.00 for a third or subsequent offense, plus a $25.00 penalty for failing to respond to the citation. A law enforcement officer or the Public Works Director can issue it, and the operator can also be removed from the park without a fee refund under § 9.06.030.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fly a drone in a Cowlitz County park?

Only in an area the county has specifically designated and posted for that use. CCC § 9.06.050(N) otherwise bans operating drones, model airplanes, gliders, cars, boats or rockets in any county park, and any flying that is allowed must still comply with FAA regulations.

Does the Cowlitz County drone rule apply to my whole property?

No. The restriction in § 9.06.050(N) applies only within county parks listed in § 9.06.010, such as Riverside Park and Woodbrook Park, and their contiguous county-owned grounds. It does not reach private property or areas outside the designated county park system.

What happens if I fly a drone in a Cowlitz County park without permission?

You can be removed from the park without a refund of fees and cited for a civil infraction under CCC § 9.06.100, which starts at $75.00 for a first offense and rises to $150.00, then $300.00, for repeat violations.

Sources & Official References

[1]Cowlitz County Code (eCode360)

Other rules in Cowlitz County

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All Cowlitz County rules

Compare Cowlitz County to another location·View the Washington drone rules overview

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