Tacoma, WA Drone Rules: Park Drone Restrictions (2026)
Key Facts
- Drones/UAS/UAV
- banned in parks
- Exception
- designated areas or Director OK
- Also banned
- motorized model vehicles
- Penalty
- Class 1 civil infraction
Summary
Flying a drone, UAS, or UAV in a Tacoma park is unlawful unless the area is specifically designated for it or the Metro Parks Director authorizes it.
It is unlawful to operate motorized model aircraft, drones, unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), motorized models such as cars, cycles, trucks, or watercraft in any park, except as specifically designated for that use or as otherwise authorized by the Director.
Full Breakdown
Tacoma's park code bans operating drones, unmanned aircraft systems, unmanned aerial vehicles, or motorized model aircraft in any city park, alongside motorized model cars, cycles, trucks, and watercraft. The only exceptions are areas the Metropolitan Park District has specifically designated for that use or activity the Director otherwise authorizes. The code defines a drone broadly as any powered aerial vehicle without a human operator that can fly autonomously or be piloted remotely, expendable or recoverable.
Violations & Fines
Flying a drone outside a designated area, without Director authorization, is enforced as a Class 1 civil infraction under the park code's general penalty section, TMC § 8.27.250.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I fly a drone in a Tacoma park?
How does Tacoma's park code define a drone?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Tacoma
Compare Tacoma to another location·View the Washington drone rules overview
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Park Drone Restrictions in Nearby Cities
How other cities in this county handle park drone restrictions.