Showing ordinances that apply to Vashon, WA
Vashon is an unincorporated community (population 11,055) in King County, Washington. Because Vashon is not an incorporated city, it does not have its own municipal code. Instead, King County ordinances apply directly to properties here. The recreational drones rules below are the ones that govern your area.
Recreational drone operation in King County is primarily governed by FAA 14 CFR Part 107 and the FAA Recreational Flyer rules. Drones must be registered if over 250 grams, stay under 400 feet AGL, and avoid restricted airspace around Sea-Tac Airport. King County Parks prohibits drone takeoff and landing in most county parks.
Drone operation in King County is subject to a multi-layered framework. Federal law is primary: recreational flyers must follow FAA Recreational Flyer rules (including The Recreational UAS Safety Test, TRUST), register drones over 250 grams (0.55 lb), keep drones within visual line of sight, fly below 400 feet above ground level, yield to manned aircraft, and avoid restricted airspace. Commercial and non-hobby operations require an FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate. King County is home to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (Sea-Tac), Boeing Field (King County International Airport), Renton Airport, and several smaller fields. Class B, C, and D airspace exists around these airports, and Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability (LAANC) permission from the FAA is required before flying in controlled airspace. The B4UFLY app or FAA LAANC service provides real-time airspace data. Washington state laws (RCW 9.73 on privacy, RCW 9A.76 on obstructing law enforcement, and common law nuisance/trespass) also apply; flying over private property at low altitude in a way that harasses or surveils may be actionable. King County Parks and Recreation prohibits drone takeoff and landing in county parks except designated areas, to protect wildlife and park users (see Parks Code of Conduct). Operations over Sea-Tac require special authorization; the airport has designated Restricted Areas and a Temporary Flight Restriction may be in effect during major events. Flying over crowds and over moving vehicles on highways is separately restricted under Part 107.
FAA violations (unauthorized flights in controlled airspace, unregistered drones, reckless flight) can result in civil penalties up to 75,000 dollars per violation and, for reckless or intentional violations, criminal penalties. King County Parks violations are civil infractions. Privacy and harassment violations may trigger civil suit or criminal charges under RCW 9.73 and related statutes.
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