Yakima, WA Drone Rules: Recreational Drones (2026)

Yakima has not adopted a stand-alone drone ordinance because the airspace is preempted by federal law (49 U.S.C. § 40103 — sovereignty and use of the navigable airspace; 14 CFR Part 107; FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018). Layered framework: (1) Federal — recreational flyers use the Exception for Limited Recreational Operations at 49 U.S.C. § 44809: VLOS only, ≤ 400 ft AGL, away from manned aircraft, FAA registration of the drone if it weighs more than 0.55 lbs, broadcasting Remote ID under 14 CFR Part 89, passage of the FAA TRUST safety test (administered by a CBO/test administrator), and operation consistent with the safety guidelines of a CBO. Commercial operators must hold a 14 CFR Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate. Yakima Air Terminal–McAllister Field (YKM) is a Class E airport with Class D-like activity; LAANC authorization is required in controlled airspace. The FAA's B4UFLY app is the authoritative airspace-status tool. (2) Washington state — RCW 47.68.380 (Operating an unmanned aircraft over real property — Civil infraction): 'It is unlawful for an operator of an unmanned aircraft to operate the unmanned aircraft over real property not lawfully owned or occupied by a person without the consent of a lawful owner or occupant of the real property.' Violations are a class 2 civil infraction. Trespass-by-drone civil action: a property owner may sue under RCW 4.24 for a repeat overflight after notice, with $500 statutory damages and attorney's fees. RCW 9A.44.115 (Voyeurism) covers knowingly viewing/photographing/filming another person in a place with a reasonable expectation of privacy (Class C felony for voyeurism in the first degree, gross misdemeanor for the second degree). RCW Chapter 9A.84 covers public disturbance and disorderly conduct. Although WA RCW 9A.90 governs computer crimes (not specifically drones), reckless overflight can also implicate RCW 9A.36 (reckless endangerment). The state has no general drone-registration scheme for hobbyists. (3) Local — Yakima may regulate take-off and landing on city property (parks, government buildings, fire scenes) under YMC Chapter 9.70 (Parks) and YMC Title 6 general-welfare authority. Operating a drone over a Yakima city park may be subject to Parks Division rules; contact Yakima Parks and Recreation at 509-575-6020. Reckless operation in Yakima may also be addressed under YMC 6.04 (disturbance) and state criminal statutes.