The Department of Enterprise Services (DES) has authorized use of an unmanned aircraft system (UAS) on the Capitol Campus to make detailed observations of the roof of the historic Legislative Building that it would be difficult and expensive to safely access in person.

To minimize impacts to state employees and visitors to the capitol, the investigation will be performed on a Saturday, either May 6 or May 13, depending on weather.

Washington Administrative Code 200-250 mostly prohibits launching, landing, or operating unmanned aircraft systems (UAS)/drones on the Capitol Campus. However, the rules do allow use of UAS for activities directly related to the care of the campus with written approval of the Department of Enterprise Services Director.

A DES contractor will use the UAS to examine the Legislative Building roof for possible defects and points of failure to identify where water is penetrating the building's mini-dome and causing damage. Using a drone to make these observations will be much safer than sending people up on ladders or scaffolding.

Safety precautions related to the UAS use will be taken throughout the operation. The contractor has met all Federal Aviation Administration requirements.

For more information about UAS rules on Capitol campus please see:

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

DES Unmanned Aircraft Systems information webpage

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