Drop Zones

[Club Rat]

Can someone explain where and when drop zones are necessary or required?

We have a par three which has a pond to the right of the green, and a creek that run to the left side of the hole, and wooded area behind the green.
All hazards are red staked, and the wooded area is also red stakes, I think there's a creek for the pond overflow deeper in the woods.

I'm guessing our drop zone is a local ruling?

Another question, can red staked hazards have drop zones?
I thought drop zones were for yellow stake hazards only?

[Asheville]

From Appendix I:

6. Dropping Zones

The Committee may establish dropping zones on which balls may or must be dropped when the Committee considers that it is not feasible or practicable to proceed exactly in conformity with Rule 24-2b or Rule 24-3 (Immovable Obstruction), Rule 25-1b or 25-1c (Abnormal Ground Conditions), 25-3 (Wrong Putting Green), Rule 26-1 (Water Hazards and Lateral Water Hazards) or Rule 28 (Ball Unplayable). Generally, such dropping zones should be provided as an additional relief option to those available under the Rule itself, rather than being mandatory.

[Club Rat]

3 minutes ago, Asheville said:

From Appendix I:

6. Dropping Zones

The Committee may establish dropping zones on which balls may or must be dropped when the Committee considers that it is not feasible or practicable to proceed exactly in conformity with Rule 24-2b or Rule 24-3 (Immovable Obstruction), Rule 25-1b or 25-1c (Abnormal Ground Conditions), 25-3 (Wrong Putting Green), Rule 26-1 (Water Hazards and Lateral Water Hazards) or Rule 28 (Ball Unplayable). Generally, such dropping zones should be provided as an additional relief option to those available under the Rule itself, rather than being mandatory.

Thank you sir.