The purpose and intent of this Chapter is to effectively regulate unmanned aircraft and unmanned aircraft systems, commonly known as “Drones”, operated within the City in order to promote the health, safety, and general welfare of City residents. The City seeks to implement appropriate regulations of unmanned aircraft and unmanned aircraft systems pursuant to the City’s police powers and its authority to issue regulations related to zoning, land use, privacy, trespass, and law enforcement operations. All regulations herein are intended to protect the health, safety, and welfare of the public and address specific areas of local municipal concern where the operation of unmanned aircraft and unmanned aircraft systems could cause harm and injury. This Chapter is not intended to restrict persons operating commercial unmanned aircraft and unmanned aircraft systems in compliance with all applicable FAA rules and other applicable laws, outside of prohibited sites. This Chapter is not intended to restrict persons operating unmanned aircraft and unmanned aircraft systems flown strictly for recreational purposes in compliance with all applicable FAA rules and other applicable laws, outside of protected sites.
Federal laws, state laws, and FAA rules and regulations are subject to change. Compliance with this Chapter may not constitute compliance with current, pending or future, federal laws, state laws or FAA rules and regulations. It is the responsibility of all persons operating, or involved in the operation of, unmanned aircraft and unmanned aircraft systems to ensure they are in compliance with all the legal duties that may be applicable to their involvement in the operation of any unmanned aircraft and unmanned aircraft systems.
This Chapter is not intended to preempt Federal laws, State laws or FAA rules and regulations, but to operate in conjunction with those rules to promote the safe and lawful operation of unmanned aircraft and unmanned aircraft systems within the City.
(Ord. 1731, passed 3-7-18; Am. Ord. 1790, passed 2-15-23)