Use of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (Drone) Policy

Administrative Policy

Newly adopted 04/2026

Overview

This policy is established to ensure compliance with all applicable laws, reduce safety risks, and protect the security and privacy of members of the campus community. It primarily addresses Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) guidelines and requirements that promote the safe and responsible use of unmanned aircraft. This policy applies to all faculty, staff, students, contractors, vendors, volunteers, and members of the general public who are present on University of Washington Bothell (UW Bothell) campus property or at any off-site location owned by the University.

Policy

The operation of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), including fixed-wing drones, rotary drones, and model aircraft, is regulated by the FAA. As a public institution, UW Bothell established the following guidelines to govern the operation of UAS by any individual on or above UW Bothell owned buildings or properties.

Guidelines

The Use of University Facilities (UUF) committee has the authority to establish guidelines and procedures governing use of university facilities within the framework of WAC 478-136. Prior UUF committee approval is required for any use of UW Bothell campus airspace involving airborne vehicles. University students, faculty, and staff conducting teaching, research, or outreach activities using UAS off university property do not require UUF approval; however, all applicable local, state, and federal laws must be observed.

a. Purpose

UAS are generally allowed for the following uses on UW Bothell‑owned facilities with UUF approval:

Academic/research use: 1) with a current FAA registration certificate, Remote Identification, and approved flight notification plan, and 2) without violating operating restrictions. Academic/research use is related to a UW Bothell class or course of study, including academic research, by a UW-enrolled student, faculty, or staff member.

Commercial use: 1) with a completed Recreational UAS Safety Test (TRUST) and approved flight notification plan, 2) without violating operating restrictions, and 3) external patrons will hold a General Liability Insurance policy with limits no less than $1M. Commercial use is for compensation or as part of a commercial enterprise, including but not limited to: taking photos or videos for sale, service, or fee.

Institutional use: 1) with a current FAA registration certificate, Remote Identification, and approved flight notification plan, and 2) without violating operating restrictions. Institutional use refers to the direct use and benefit to UW Bothell for its current, future, or ongoing operations. This use must specifically benefit a UW Bothell department. While contractors or coordinating agencies working on a UW Bothell project are permitted to use resources, requests for this use must be submitted through the sponsoring university department.

Recreational use: 1) with a current FAA registration certificate, Remote Identification, and approved flight notification plan, and 2) without violating operating restrictions. Restricted to open green spaces controlled or owned by UW Bothell, and UAS must be at least 200 feet from all campus buildings.

Specialized use: 1) with a current FAA registration certificate, Remote Identification, and approved flight notification plan, and 2) without violating operating restrictions. Specialized use is any other use not defined as academic/research, institutional, or commercial, including but not limited to journalism or breaking news use.

B. operating restrictions

UW Bothell, within its sole discretion, may restrict or prohibit any airborne vehicle operation for any reason, including, but not limited to, the following circumstances:

Unsafe Operation. Any operation on UW Bothell property that unreasonably imperils a person or property is prohibited. UAS operations are prohibited over areas of public assembly, residential buildings, and construction sites.

Violation of Law, Regulation, or Policy. Any operation that violates current FAA regulations, or any federal, state, or local laws is strictly prohibited. All FAA regulations concerning the use of UAS apply equally to all types of unmanned aircraft, except in situations where it is impractical or not feasible. In instances where the UW Bothell policy is more restrictive than FAA regulations, the UW Bothell policy will take precedence, regardless of any FAA waivers.

Invasion of Privacy. Any operation that invades the privacy of any UW Bothell student, faculty member, employee, or other person on UW Bothell property is prohibited. The unmanned aircraft will not photograph, video, or monitor areas where members of the university community or members of the general public would have a reasonable expectation of privacy. Proximity to residence halls may have additional distance restrictions to maintain privacy. The unmanned aircraft will not transport cargo or sling-loads unless an exemption is granted following the UUF committee review.

Nuisance. Operating in a manner that creates a nuisance under statute RCW 7.48 or common law is prohibited. This includes, but is not limited to, operation that is: (1) injurious to a person’s health; (2) indecent; (3) offensive to the senses; or (4) an obstruction to the proper free use or enjoyment of UW Bothell property, to essentially interfere with the comfortable enjoyment of the property. Any operation that interferes with or disrupts the university’s educational mission is also prohibited.

Property Damage. Any operation that damages UW Bothell property or the property of persons on UW Bothell property is prohibited.

Harm to Plants or Wildlife. Any operation that causes harm, is likely to harm, or disturbs any wildlife or plant life on UW Bothell property is prohibited.

Operation without UUF committee approval and a flight notification plan. Operation of any airborne vehicle on or above UW Bothell property without proper permission from the UUF committee chair and a current flight notification plan is prohibited.

c. Violation of policy

UW Bothell expects that all persons engaged in UAS activities on campus will act with respect to the safety of persons and property, and will comply with federal, state, and local laws as well as UW Bothell guidelines. Unauthorized use of a UAS on or above UW Bothell is in direct violation and may result in university disciplinary action.

d. Recordkeeping

For any institutional or academic uses where images or information are collected or recorded for university purposes, such images or information are public records and must be retained in accordance with appropriate retention schedules.

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