Department of Enterprise Services adopts rules prohibiting use of unmanned aircraft systems/drones on Capitol Campus
As part of the Department of Enterprise Services' (DES) responsibility to keep the state Capitol Campus safe for everyone, the department has adopted rules that prohibit launching, landing or operating unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) / drones on the 486-acre Olympia campus.
The rules apply to all types of UAS/drones — including remote-control model aircraft and drones used for business or recreational purposes.
The prohibition does not apply to UAS/drones 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. There is also a provision within the rule that allows UAS/drone use for the care and custody of the campus — but only with prior written approval by the DES director.
Rulemaking background
Before drafting a proposed rule, DES held four stakeholder workshops and consulted with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). After proposing the rule, DES held a 41-day public comment period, including a Dec. 22, 2015, public hearing. The rule becomes effective Feb. 11.
DES took a proactive approach to adopting UAS/drone rules because safety is a crucial component of the department's stewardship of the Capitol Campus. While no specific incident on the campus prompted the UAS/drone rules, incidents across the nation and around world in which unmanned aircraft have injured people, interfered with emergency responses and caused other problems are on the rise, as are UAS/drone sales.
Concerns at the Capitol Campus include:
- Potential public safety risks for people below or in an unmanned aircraft/drone flight path.
- Risk of interfering with emergency response activities on Capitol Campus.
- Potential disruption of state business by unmanned aircraft/drone activity.
"Bottom line — it's a safety first rule," said DES Deputy Director Bob Covington. "We are taking this proactive step to help ensure the safety of everyone who visits the Capitol Campus, from school children on tours to groups exercising free speech rights to people participating in the legislative process and state business."
About the Campus
Thousands of people visit the Capitol Campus in Olympia and its four parks each year, including 25,000 children attending school tours and people from across the state participating in 630 events. In addition, about 7,000 people work on the campus.
The Capitol Campus includes the capitol, legislative and judicial buildings, the Governor's mansion, 15 state agency office buildings, 18 public monuments and works of art, Capitol Lake, and Centennial, Heritage, Marathon and Sylvester parks.
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