Pasco, WA Drone Rules: Park Drone Restrictions (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- PMC 9.100.180
- Covers
- Drones, model aircraft, rockets, watercraft
- Also covers
- Hang gliders and hot air balloons
- Exception
- Director-designated area or permit
- Infraction class
- Class 2, $125.00 default penalty
Summary
Flying a remote control or motorized model aircraft, drone, rocket, or watercraft in a Pasco city park is unlawful unless the Director has set aside a specific spot for it or issued a permit. The same section also bars launching or landing hang gliders and hot air balloons in parks.
9.100.180 Remote control models, hang gliders, hot air balloons. It is unlawful to operate any remote control and/or motorized model aircraft, rocket, watercraft or similar device in any park, or to launch or land any hang glider or hot air balloon, except at places set apart by the Director for such purposes or as authorized by a permit from the Director. Violation of any of the provisions of this section constitutes a Class 2 civil infraction.
Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: current through Ordinance 4837, passed May 4, 2026).
Full Breakdown
180 covers "remote control models, hang gliders, hot air balloons" as one category of prohibited park activity: it is unlawful to operate any remote control and/or motorized model aircraft, rocket, watercraft, or similar device in any City park, or to launch or land any hang glider or hot air balloon there, except at places the Director of Administrative and Community Services has set apart for that purpose or under a Director-issued permit. Because the section reaches any "remote control and/or motorized model aircraft," it governs recreational drones flown over Pasco parks the same way it governs remote control planes and rockets; there is no separate drone-specific carve-out or exemption in the chapter.
00, not including statutory assessments. 040 is designated the park code's Enforcement Officer, both decides where model-aircraft or drone flying is allowed and enforces the ban elsewhere. 030, of protecting public peace, health, safety, and welfare in City parks.
Violations & Fines
Operating a drone, remote control aircraft, model rocket, or model watercraft in a Pasco city park, or launching or landing a hang glider or hot air balloon there, without using a Director-designated area or Director-issued permit is a Class 2 civil infraction under PMC 9.100.180, carrying the $125.00 default penalty set by PMC 1.05.080(1)(b) plus statutory assessments.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I fly a drone in a Pasco city park?
What is the fine for flying a drone in a Pasco park without a permit?
Does the same rule apply to model rockets and hang gliders?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Pasco
Compare Pasco to another location·View the Washington drone rules overview
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