DES begins rulemaking to limit use of unmanned aircraft systems on Capitol Campus and other DES-owned properties
For the purpose of protecting public safety, the Department of Enterprise Services (DES) plans to develop rules that will mostly prohibit the use of unmanned aircraft systems, including drones, on the 486-acre Capitol Campus in Olympia, satellite campuses in Lacey and Tumwater, and other DES-owned properties in in Cowlitz, King, Pierce, Skagit, Thurston and Yakima counties.
Before drafting a rule, DES is seeking public input.
Tens of thousands of people visit the Capitol Campus each year, including those attending 25,000 school tours and 630 events. In addition, nearly 10,000 people work on the campus. The campus includes Capitol Lake as well as Centennial, Heritage, Marathon and Sylvester parks.
The rule would apply to all types of unmanned aircraft – including remote-control model aircraft and drones used for both business and recreational purposes. The prohibition is not intended to apply to UAS used for emergency response by law enforcement and other first response agencies, such as local fire and health departments and state and federal environmental protection agencies.
DES concerns include:
- Potential public safety risks for people below or in a UAS flight path.
- Risk of interfering with emergency response activities on Capitol Campus or at DES-owned properties.
- Potential disruption of state business by UAS activity.
Public input
Public input is extremely important during the first phase of the rulemaking process. Before a rule is proposed, DES will hold at least four workshops to get input from interested stakeholders. Attending a workshop before DES files proposed rule language with the state Office of the Code Reviser is the best way for people to bring thoughts, information and feedback to the table. People also can provide information and feedback via our website and by email. View the workshop schedule.
DES is especially interested in gaining input on specific features that could be included in a proposed rule:
- Though it is desirable to limit UAS use due to safety and other concerns, UAS use may be beneficial for some activities directly related to the care and custody of the Capitol Campus and other DES properties -- public assets for all Washingtonians. If so, DES is looking for feedback regarding potential but limited UAS uses, including the decision-making process, transparency requirements and other considerations.
- How the UAS rules can be written in a way that maintains flexibility to accommodate future technological innovations.
- What the consequences, including possible penalties, should be for violating UAS rules on Capitol Campus and other DES properties.
- In addition to FAA rules, other regulations that DES should consider.
- Any other concerns a UAS rule should address.
What's next
DES intends to propose a rule following the workshops. Once a rule is proposed, there will be a public comment period, including public hearings in Olympia.
More information