Spokane County, WA Drone Rules: Park Drone Restrictions (2026)
Key Facts
- Permit required for
- Aircraft, model aircraft, model rockets, hot air balloons
- Who issues it
- Parks, Recreation & Golf Department director
- Denial grounds
- Would unduly disturb public safety or park use
- Penalty for flying without one
- Misdemeanor, up to $1,000 and 90 days
- Also covers
- Parachuting, hang gliding, and parasailing
Summary
Flying a drone, model rocket, or hot air balloon in a Spokane County park requires a permit from the Parks, Recreation & Golf Department director under SCC 6.14.040(11). The director can deny or condition the permit if the activity would disturb the public's safe use of the park.
Unless otherwise provided for through an agreement adopted by the board of county commissioners, it shall be unlawful in any park, without first securing a permit or approval from the director or designee, for any person to:...(11)Fly or land aircraft, model aircraft, model rockets, or hot air balloons;(12)Parachute, hang glide, or parasail...If the director or designee finds that safety, comfort, and convenience of the public's use of a park, or in the use of an area adjacent to a park, would be unduly disturbed, the director or designee may deny the application or impose restrictions upon the permit.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 63).
Full Breakdown
040 lists activities that are unlawful in any Spokane County park without first securing a permit from the department director or designee. " The same permit requirement applies to parachuting, hang gliding, and parasailing under item 12, and to unrelated activities like using a sound amplifier, selling merchandise, or holding organized runs and races. 040, the director or designee can deny an application or attach restrictions if flying a drone would unduly disturb the safety, comfort, or convenience of the public's use of the park or an adjacent area; the director may also approve activities not listed in the section case by case.
050 requires any permit holder to produce the permit on request and to leave the site in satisfactory condition, and bars anyone under 18 from signing for a permit, or under 21 if alcohol will be involved. 120, and the Sheriff's Office or a park representative can eject a noncompliant operator from the park immediately.
Violations & Fines
Operating a drone or other aircraft in a Spokane County park without the SCC 6.14.040(11) permit is a misdemeanor under SCC 6.14.120, punishable by a fine of up to $1,000, up to 90 days in jail, or both. The operator can also be ejected from the park on the spot by the director, a Sheriff's deputy, or another commissioned officer, and each day of continued violation counts as a separate offense under SCC 6.14.130.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to fly a drone in a Spokane County park?
Can the county deny a drone permit request?
What happens if I fly a drone in a park without a permit?
Who can obtain a park activity permit?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Spokane County
Compare Spokane County to another location·View the Washington drone rules overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.