Recreational drones in Kennewick are governed mostly by federal law. The FAA requires registration for drones over 0.55 lb, TRUST test passage, and flight under 49 U.S.C. Sec. 44809. Tri-Cities Airport (KPSC) controlled airspace requires LAANC authorization. Washington State Parks bans drone launch without a permit.
Drone regulation in Kennewick is layered. Federally, recreational fliers must follow 49 U.S.C. Sec. 44809 — fly under 400 feet above ground level in uncontrolled airspace, keep visual line of sight, register drones over 0.55 lb (250 g) with the FAA, mark the registration number on the airframe, pass the FAA TRUST test, and never interfere with manned aircraft. Tri-Cities Airport (KPSC) in Pasco is the nearest Class D airspace, and overflight near KPSC or KRLD (Richland Airport) requires LAANC authorization through the FAA's B4UFLY system or an approved provider. Commercial work requires an FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate. Washington has not adopted a comprehensive statewide drone preemption statute, but Washington State Parks rules (WAC 352-32-130) prohibit launching or landing remote-controlled aircraft, including drones, in any state park without written permission from the park director or designee — relevant for Sacajawea State Park across the Columbia and for Two Rivers Park nearby. Kennewick city parks are governed by KMC Title 10 (Peace, Safety, Morals), and posted park rules can restrict drone launch in city parks. The Kennewick Municipal Code does not currently include a stand-alone drone ordinance.
Unregistered drones over 0.55 lb, KPSC airspace flights without LAANC, flights above 400 feet AGL, or commercial operation without Part 107 bring FAA civil penalties under 49 U.S.C. Sec. 46301. State Park launches without permission are cited by Washington State Park Rangers under WAC 352-32-130. Privacy and harassment misuse can be charged under RCW 9A.46 and RCW 9.73.
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