King County, WA Drone Rules: Park Drone Restrictions (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- K.C.C. 7.12.545
- Penalty class
- Misdemeanor under 7.12.660
- Exception
- Posted areas or director permit
- Kites/balloons
- Allowed unless separately posted
- Scope
- County parks/trails, not Seattle
Summary
Unmanned model aircraft, rockets, and drones are banned in King County parks and trails unless the county specifically designates and posts an area for that use or the parks director issues a permit.
A person shall not use model planes, rockets, or drones in a park area except in areas specifically designated and posted for that purpose or with a permit issued by the director.
C. A person may fly kites or display decorative balloons in a park area unless such a use is designated and posted as prohibited. (Ord. 19771 § 34, 2024).
Full Breakdown
King County Code 7.12.545 bans model planes, rockets, and drones from any park area operated by the Parks and Recreation Division, including regional trails like the Burke-Gilman and Eastrail, unless the site is posted for that use or the person holds a director-issued permit. Full-size aircraft face the same ban, with narrow exceptions for emergencies. Kites and decorative balloons remain allowed unless a specific park posts them as prohibited. The rule applies wherever King County Parks owns or manages the facility, whether unincorporated county land or a regional trail segment crossing into a city.
Violations & Fines
Violating K.C.C. 7.12.545 is a misdemeanor under 7.12.660: up to a $500 fine, up to 90 days in county jail, or both, plus possible suspension of park privileges.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I fly a drone in a King County park?
Does this rule cover Seattle parks?
What about kites?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in King County
Compare King County to another location·View the Washington drone rules overview
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