Drone Rules in Washington (2026)
22 rules on the books across Washington, 17 cities and counties. Select a rule to read the full details.
Severity: Few Restrictions · Light Restrictions · Some Restrictions · Significant Restrictions · Heavy Restrictions
Recreational Drones
Local rules for flying drones as a hobby, including where you can fly, altitude limits, and restrictions near parks and public events.
Pierce County
Significant RestrictionsUnincorporated Pierce County lets the FAA govern where drones may fly, but the Parks and Recreation Department bars…
Read full rule →Kennewick
Some RestrictionsRecreational drones in Kennewick are governed mostly by federal law. The FAA requires registration for drones over 0.55…
Read full rule →Skagit County
Some RestrictionsSkagit County's parks code does not use the word drone, but its model-aircraft provision in SCC 9.41.200 controls…
Read full rule →Commercial Drones
Additional permits and requirements for using drones for business purposes like photography, delivery, or inspections.
Washington: statewide
StatewideSome RestrictionsCommercial drone operations in Washington are governed by FAA Part 107, with state law adding criminal liability for…
Read full rule →Kirkland
Significant RestrictionsKirkland prohibits flying drones, model aircraft, rockets or remote-controlled vehicles in any city park unless the…
Read full rule →Kitsap County
Significant RestrictionsCommercial drone operators, such as delivery or merchandise-transport ventures, may fly within Kitsap's military…
Read full rule →Park Drone Restrictions
Bans on launching, landing, or operating drones in city and county parks, with exceptions for designated model-aircraft fields.
Tacoma
Heavy RestrictionsFlying a drone, UAS, or UAV in a Tacoma park is unlawful unless the area is specifically designated for it or the Metro…
Read full rule →Cowlitz County
Significant RestrictionsUnincorporated Cowlitz County bans operating drones and other radio-controlled or self-propelled models in county parks…
Read full rule →Everett
Significant RestrictionsFlying drones, remote-control aircraft, or model rockets in any Everett city park is unlawful unless the parks director…
Read full rule →Federal Way
Significant RestrictionsFederal Way bans flying drones and other remote-controlled aircraft in city parks outside areas the parks director…
Read full rule →King County
Significant RestrictionsUnmanned model aircraft, rockets, and drones are banned in King County parks and trails unless the county specifically…
Read full rule →Kirkland
Significant RestrictionsFlying a drone in a Kirkland park requires a permit from the Parks and Community Services Department. KMC 11.80.222…
Read full rule →Lakewood
Significant RestrictionsLakewood, Washington bars flying rockets or any remotely piloted or powered aircraft, including recreational drones, in…
Read full rule →Pasco
Significant RestrictionsFlying a remote control or motorized model aircraft, drone, rocket, or watercraft in a Pasco city park is unlawful…
Read full rule →Pierce County
Significant RestrictionsPierce County's Park Code bans flying drones, model aircraft, and model rockets anywhere in the park system except in…
Read full rule →Sammamish
Significant RestrictionsSammamish Municipal Code § 7A.07.060 bars aircraft from landing or taking off anywhere in city open spaces, trails…
Read full rule →Spokane County
Significant RestrictionsFlying a drone, model rocket, or hot air balloon in a Spokane County park requires a permit from the Parks, Recreation…
Read full rule →Spokane Valley
Significant RestrictionsSpokane Valley prohibits launching, operating, or landing any airborne vehicle, a category that by code definition…
Read full rule →Airport Proximity Rules
No-fly zones near commercial airports, FAA controlled-airspace authorization (LAANC), and additional state/local proximity rules.
Seattle
Heavy RestrictionsFAA controlled-airspace rules govern Seattle drone flights. Sea-Tac (KSEA) and Boeing Field (KBFI) blanket most of the…
Read full rule →Kitsap County
Significant RestrictionsNo one may launch or land a civil drone, including FAA-classified model aircraft, within the 3,000-foot military…
Read full rule →Snohomish County
Significant RestrictionsFlying a drone or any other model aircraft on Snohomish County Airport grounds without the airport manager's…
Read full rule →Event Drone Restrictions
Temporary flight restrictions over stadiums, parades, and major public events, plus the federal sports-stadium TFR rules.