[Adopted 12-8-2020 by Ord. No. 9248]
A. 
For purposes of this article, the following definitions apply:
GOVERNMENTAL ENTITY
The government and agencies of the United States of America, the State of Oklahoma, Canadian County, Oklahoma, and the City of E1 Reno.
UNMANNED AIRCRAFT SYSTEM (UAS)
An aircraft, powered aerial vehicle, or other device without a human pilot on board, the flight of which is controlled either autonomously by on-board computers or by remote control of a pilot operator on the ground or in another vehicle or aircraft, and all associated equipment and apparatus. This definition includes devices commonly referred to as a "drone," "remote-controlled aircraft," and "model aircraft."
VISUAL OBSERVER
A person who is designated by and is in communication with the operator, who is in control of the UAS, for assisting the operator to avoid other air traffic, objects aloft or on the ground.
B. 
All UAS operations must be conducted in strict compliance with all Federal Aviation Administration regulations applicable to the particular operation.
(1) 
All persons operating a UAS within the corporate limits of the City are required to abide by all rules and regulations as set forth in federal law and associated waivers. These include, but are not limited to:
(a) 
Operation from a moving vehicle or aircraft.
(b) 
Daylight operation.
(c) 
Visual line of sight UAS operation.
(d) 
Visual observer.
(e) 
Operation of multiple UASes.
(f) 
Yielding the right of way.
(g) 
Operation over people.
(h) 
Operation in certain airspace.
(i) 
Operating limitations for UASes.
(2) 
All persons operating a UAS within the City will present proof of compliance with federal or state law, or municipal ordinance, upon request by a City official.
(3) 
No person shall launch, land, or operate a UAS from any property owned or controlled by the City unless such area is designated for this specific purpose, i.e., Mustang RC Field, or is otherwise authorized by the City.
(4) 
No person shall operate a UAS over any public gathering as part of a special event governed by the El Reno City Council without prior notice of intent to take such action, providing proof of compliance with all applicable federal laws, and after receiving authorization in the form of a special event permit issued by the City.
(5) 
No person shall launch, land, or operate a UAS from private property unless such person is the owner of said property or is in possession of demonstrative evidence that such permission has been granted.
(6) 
No person shall operate or give permission to another to operate a UAS in a reckless or negligent manner to endanger the health, safety, welfare, or property of any person.
(7) 
No person shall operate a UAS in any manner as to be a nuisance, trespass, or harass any person or animal.
(8) 
No person shall operate a UAS while under the influence of alcohol or any drug that affects the person's ability to safely operate the UAS.
(9) 
No person shall operate a UAS in a manner in which to interfere with emergency response activities such as disaster relief, any type of accident response, law enforcement activities, firefighting, or disaster recovery efforts.
C. 
Exemptions.
(1) 
This section shall not prohibit the use of UASes by any governmental entity, law enforcement or fire rescue agency for lawful purposes and operated in a lawful manner. Examples of these operations include:
(a) 
Firefighting.
(b) 
Search and rescue.
(c) 
Law enforcement.
(d) 
Utility or other critical infrastructure restoration.
(e) 
Damage assessments supporting disaster recovery related insurance claims.
(f) 
Media coverage providing crucial information to the public.
D. 
Penalty.
(1) 
Any violation of this article is punishable by fees approved by City Council and set by resolution.
[Amended 2-9-2021 by Ord. No. 9259]