[Amended 7-20-2021 by Ord. No. 763]
This chapter is enacted for the purpose, and with the intent,
to control and regulate the use of private unmanned aircrafts, also
known as "drones" (rotary or fixed wing), to prevent them from disturbing,
disrupting, harassing, or endangering another person or property.
This chapter is also enacted to control and direct the use of unmanned
aircrafts while departments within the City of Isanti are performing
their official duties.
[Amended 7-20-2021 by Ord. No. 763]
This chapter shall be enforced for both recreational and commercial
use of unmanned aircrafts typically weighing less than 55 pounds including
its payload. Public safety officials using unmanned aircrafts while
performing their official duties or when directed by the Chief of
Police or their designee are exempt from the provisions of this chapter.
As used in this chapter, the following terms shall have the
meanings indicated:
CITY
The City of Isanti, Isanti County, Minnesota.
OPERATE
To pilot, steer, direct, fly or manage a small unmanned aircraft
through the air remotely. The term "operate" includes managing or
initiating a computer system that automatically pilots, steers, directs,
flies or manages a small unmanned aircraft.
PAYLOAD
Goods, materials or equipment carried by an unmanned aircraft.
PERSON
Includes an individual, partnership, corporation or any body
of persons, whether incorporated or formed as an association or not.
PUBLIC EVENT
An event open to the public, or where members of the public
are gathered, and occurring on public property or pursuant to City
authority. Such events and locations include, but are not limited
to, athletic fields, band stands, outdoor swimming areas, street festivals,
parade routes, schools, school yards, places of worship, and City,
county, state and federal facilities.
UNMANNED AIRCRAFT (Also known as "unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV),"
"drone," "quadcopter," "multicopter" or "unmanned fixed wing aircraft")
An "aircraft" as defined by the FAA pursuant to 49 U.S.C.
§ 40102(a)(6), including the flying portion of the system
and all associated support equipment, power supply, control station,
data links, telemetry, communications, cameras, video and navigation
equipment necessary to operate the unmanned aircraft, flown by an
operator via a ground control system, or autonomously through the
use of an on-board computer, communication links, GPS and any other
additional equipment necessary for the aircraft to operate safely.
[Amended 7-20-2021 by Ord. No. 763]
Should an unmanned aircraft flight be approved to assist with
the duties of public safety, the incident commander shall give approval
and remain in contact with local airports, Department of Natural Resources,
and the Department of Transportation when possible.
[Amended 7-20-2021 by Ord. No. 763]
Any person violating any provision of this chapter shall be guilty of a misdemeanor as defined by state law and subject to the penalties in Chapter
1, Article
I, of this Code of the City of Isanti.