Recreational drone use in Seattle is primarily governed by FAA federal regulations, with local restrictions on flights in parks and near critical infrastructure; the city does not have a standalone drone ordinance but enforces general safety and privacy laws.
Recreational drone operators must follow FAA Part 107 rules or the TRUST (The Recreational UAS Safety Test) requirements for recreational flyers. Seattle Parks and Recreation prohibits drone takeoff and landing in city parks without a special use permit. Flights near Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, Boeing Field (King County International Airport), and Renton Municipal Airport are restricted by FAA airspace regulations. Seattle's proximity to multiple controlled airspaces makes LAANC (Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability) authorization frequently necessary. Drone flights over people, moving vehicles, and in restricted airspace are prohibited under FAA rules. Local privacy laws (RCW 9.73) may apply to drone surveillance of private property. The Seattle Police Department policy restricts law enforcement drone use.
FAA violations for illegal drone operations can result in civil penalties up to $27,500 and criminal penalties up to $250,000. Flying in city parks without a permit may result in park exclusion and fines under SMC 18.12. Privacy violations through drone surveillance may trigger criminal charges under Washington's privacy laws.
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in King County.
See how other cities in King County handle recreational drones.
See how Seattle's recreational drones rules stack up against other locations.
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