The city uses unmanned aerial systems to promote better information accuracy, public safety and communication effectiveness and transparency. UAS are small, remote-controlled aerial vehicles that can be equipped with a camera to document crash and crime scenes, disaster areas, large-scale events and city projects and features. UAS technology gives public service agencies another tool to improve service delivery and maintain a high-performance government, delivering information and perspectives that otherwise would not be possible.
Well-tested tool
As with any new system or technology employed by the city, a rigorous review of the technology was conducted, including assessments of successful UAS programs at peer cities. The review informed a city usage policy, including guidelines about equipment usage, appropriate purposes for gathering content and retention policies that consider privacy and value to residents. As a smart city, Bellevue is committed to assessing the latest technology tools and tactics to better serve the community. The UAS assessment concluded that using this technology would be beneficial to the public good in many functions in the city
Value for the city
UAS allows the city to increase its ability to deliver important services to residents in areas, including:
- Transportation safety – UAS technology allows workers to get a better view of projects from all angles to ensure structure quality control, better understand traffic patterns, aid in education efforts and, in the instance of crashes, better assess the scene to determine if safety improvements could help prevent future crashes.
- Public safety – Police and Fire departments can use UAS technology in collision, crime scene and fire investigations to better document and refer back to the state of a scene at the time of the initial investigation. UAS also allows for real-time assessment of active scenes to inform safety strategies in addressing fires or in-progress crimes. UAS can be deployed in search and rescue efforts and UAS devices can be sent into areas that may be unsafe for responders. In cases of major disasters, UAS technology can survey a broad area to help emergency coordinators plan response and recovery efforts and prioritize resources.
- Communications – UAS technology allows the city to share more complete, accurate and transparent images and video of a variety of projects, events and features in the city. UAS offers unparalleled perspectives that are compelling and helpful to communicating key information.
Private use
People may use unmanned aerial systems in Bellevue, but if you intend to use a city park for taking off, landing or controlling a UAS, a parks permit is required. Federal regulations prohibit UAS flights over people, occupied vehicles or vulnerable infrastructure. A right of way permit would be necessary to close a portion of a city street or sidewalk if your UAS flight cannot be accomplished while such streets or sidewalks are occupied.
While federal law generally permits UAS flights over private property, UAS cannot be operated in a way that endangers persons or property. If you believe a UAS is being operated unsafely, posing an immediate hazard to persons or property, please call 911. Otherwise, please report the incident via the Bellevue police non-emergency phone number, 425-577-5656.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a UAS?
UAS is an unmanned aerial system and is commonly called a drone. A drone is an aerial device with an onboard computer that is operated remotely, generally by a pilot on the ground using a handheld controller. Small UAS are battery-operated, weigh less than 55 pounds, have several rotors like a helicopter, and are equipped with a video camera.
What would the City of Bellevue use UAS for? What would be prohibited?
Uses could include:
- Disaster response and recovery
- Training, marketing/outreach
- Crime or crash scene preservation and documentation
Prohibited uses include the weaponization of UAS and general surveillance.
How is my privacy protected?
Protecting public privacy is of utmost concern to the city. Absent a search warrant or exigent circumstances, UAS operators and observers shall not intentionally record or transmit images of any location where a person would have a reasonable expectation of privacy (e.g. inside a house or fenced yard). Operators and observers shall take reasonable precautions to avoid inadvertently recording or transmitting images of areas where there is a reasonable expectation of privacy.
Who will be operating the UAS and what training do UAS pilots undergo?
Operators are employees or certified contractors of the City of Bellevue. All UAS operators have attained FAA Remote Pilot Certification as well as additional training through the city.
What rules and regulations must city UAS pilots follow?
All city personnel and contractors working on behalf of the city with UAS responsibilities are trained in city, state and federal laws and regulations, as well as policies and procedures governing the deployment and use of UAS.
What should I do if I see a UAS being flown illegally?
You may call the city’s non-emergency police line (425-577-5656). Or, if you can locate the UAS operator and you feel safe doing so, try talking to the operator first. They may not be a city employee or certified contractor and may not be aware of applicable regulations.
Is a permit from the city required to fly a UAS in Bellevue?
Generally, no permit is required to fly a UAS in Bellevue. However, if you intend to make use of a City of Bellevue park for your UAS operation such as taking off, landing, or the control of a UAS a parks permit is required.
Is a right-of-way permit required if I’m flying over a Bellevue street or sidewalk?
Federal regulation prohibits UAS flight operations over persons, occupied vehicles or vulnerable infrastructure. A right-of-way permit would be necessary to close a portion of a city street or sidewalk if your UAS flight cannot be accomplished while such streets or sidewalks are occupied.
Is a City of Bellevue business license required if operating a UAS in Bellevue for commercial purposes?
To conduct business in Bellevue, businesses must register with the city and obtain a Bellevue business license if you meet any of the following criteria:
- You have a physical location in the city
- Your annual gross receipts in the city will exceed $2,000
Can a UAS fly over my private property?
Federal regulations govern all navigable airspace including UAS flights over private property. Such flights are generally permitted. However, UAS operators must abide any other applicable law or regulations. Thus, a UAS cannot be operated in such a manner that endangers persons or property.
What should I do if I believe a UAS is being operated in an unsafe manner?
If there is an immediate hazard to persons or property, please call 911. Otherwise, please report the incident using the police non-emergency line, 425-577-5656.
Are there places where I can fly my UAS for fun?
Marymoor Park Airfield in Redmond allows for use of UAS with a Marymoor R/C Club Membership and registration. The airfield is located in the northeast corner of Marymoor Park at 6046 W. Lake Sammamish Parkway NE.