Lakewood, WA Drone Rules: Park Drone Restrictions (2026)

500, titled 'Model aircraft and rockets,' provides that no person shall fly rockets or remotely piloted and powered aircraft in any park area unless in an area designated by the City Manager or for emergency or disaster response. 010 as 'a remotely controlled unmanned aircraft,' confirming the rule reaches recreational and hobbyist drones, not just fixed-wing model airplanes or rockets. 'Park area' under the same definitions section means any area under the ownership, management, or control of the City of Lakewood Parks and Recreation Department, so the ban covers every developed and undeveloped park the City manages, including shoreline parks along American Lake, Gravelly Lake and Lake Steilacoom.

The City Manager, not park staff on the ground, holds the sole authority to designate an area where model aircraft, rockets or drones may be flown; absent that designation, or an active emergency or disaster response use, flying anywhere in a Lakewood park violates the section. 00 rather than the criminal misdemeanor otherwise available under Article IV, which can carry up to $1,000 and 90 days in jail.