Drones & Other Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS)
To keep Capitol Campus safe for everyone, drones are prohibited. This means that no drones are allowed to be launched, landed, or operated on the campus including buildings and grounds.
Drone rules for Capitol Campus
Drones and other unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) are banned on Capitol Campus.
This is because they are a potential threat to public health and safety and can:
- Pose safety risks for people below them or in their flight path.
- Interfere with emergency response activities.
- Disrupt state business.
- Collide with historic buildings and memorials, possibly doing irreparable damage.
Crashed or stuck drones are costly and time-consuming to retrieve.
Capitol Campus grounds
The Capitol Campus includes:
- Legislative Building
- Temple of Justice
- Governor's mansion
- 15 state agency office buildings
- 18 monuments, memorials, and artworks
- Capitol Lake
- Centennial, Heritage, Marathon, and Sylvester Parks
- Capitol Lake Interpretive Center
View the Capitol Campus Boundary Map.
Drones are prohibited
According to Chapter 200-250 WAC you may not launch, land, or operate drones on campus grounds.
This applies to all types of unmanned aircraft. Including remote-control model aircraft and drones flown for recreational or business purposes.
DES coordinates with the Washington State Patrol (WSP) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to enforce these rules.
Violators could face a fine or criminal charges.
The ban doesn't apply to drones used for emergencies by law enforcement and other first responders, and activities required for the care and maintenance of the Capitol Campus with prior written approval by the director.