Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS)

As part of the agency's responsibility to keep the state Capitol Campus safe for everyone, DES adopted rules that mostly prohibit launching, landing, or operating unmanned aircraft systems (UAS)/drones on the campus.

The Department of Enterprise Services (DES) is responsible for the stewardship, preservation, operation and maintenance of the state Capitol Campus, which 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.

UAS/Drone Rules on Capitol Campus

Thousands of people visit the Capitol Campus and its four parks each year, including people attending 25,000 school tours and more than 400 events. In addition, more than 6,000 people work on the campus.

The rules apply to all types of unmanned aircraft — including remote-control model aircraft and drones flown for recreational and business 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.

Learn more: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Concerns include:

  • Potential public safety risks for people below or in a UAS/drone flight path.
  • Risk of interfering with emergency response activities on Capitol Campus and our other properties.
  • Potential disruption of state business by UAS/drone activity.

UAS/Drone Rulemaking background

Before drafting a proposed rule, DES held four public workshops and consulted with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

After proposing rules, DES held a 41-day public comment period, including a public hearing on Dec. 22, 2015.

More information

Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS)

 

Unmanned Aircraft System

The term UAS refers to devices that go by many names: Remotely piloted vehicles (RPV), drones, unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), Uncommanded Aerial Vehicles (UCAVs), and more. Regardless of what they are called, UAS are considered "aircraft" by the Federal Aviation Administration. Learn more about FAA rules and regulations.

Capitol Campus Boundary Map

Interactive Campus Map