Kirkland, WA Drone Rules: Park Drone Restrictions (2026)
Key Facts
- Citation
- KMC § 11.80.222
- Rule
- Permit required to fly a drone in any park
- Also covers
- Model aircraft, rockets, RC watercraft/vehicles
- Exception
- Law enforcement, authorized parks personnel
- Enforcement
- Civil infraction under Ch. 11.80 Article III
Summary
Flying a drone in a Kirkland park requires a permit from the Parks and Community Services Department. KMC 11.80.222 groups drones with motorized model aircraft, rockets, and remote-controlled watercraft or vehicles, all barred from park property unless the operator holds a permit.
It is a violation of this chapter for any person to operate any motorized model aircraft, drones, rocket, watercraft, or vehicles in any park except by permit obtained through the department; provided, that this section does not apply to operation of motorized remote-controlled models by public law enforcement or authorized parks personnel.
Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: current through Ordinance 4945, passed July 21, 2026).
Full Breakdown
80 for any person to operate a motorized model aircraft, drone, rocket, watercraft, or vehicle in any city park except by permit obtained through the department. The only built-in exception covers public law enforcement and authorized parks personnel operating remote-controlled models in the course of their duties; there is no carve-out for hobbyists, photographers, or short flights. 80. 040. 034, which lets the department grant, condition, or cancel permits for organized or exclusive park use. A drone operator wanting to fly over a specific park should apply to the Parks and Community Services Department for a permit before flying, since the code gives park rangers and code enforcement authority to cite anyone flying without one.
Violations & Fines
Flying a drone, model aircraft, or remote-controlled rocket or vehicle in a Kirkland park without a department permit is a civil infraction under KMC 11.80.222, part of Article III of Chapter 11.80. Park rangers and code enforcement officers can issue a citation and direct the operator to stop and leave the area, and the department can decline future permits to repeat violators.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I fly a drone in a Kirkland park without a permit?
Does the drone permit rule apply outside of parks?
What is the penalty for flying a drone in a park without a permit?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Kirkland
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Park Drone Restrictions in Nearby Cities
How other cities in King County handle park drone restrictions.