The following words, terms and phrases, when used in this article, shall have the meanings ascribed to them in this section, except where the context clearly indicates a different meaning:
Flying.
The vertical or horizontal motion of a helicopter other than the immediate landing or take-off from an established heliport.
Helicopter.
Any rotor craft which depends principally for its support and motion upon the lift generated by one (1) or more power-driven rotors rotating on a substantially vertical axis.
Heliport.
Any area or structural surface which is used or intended to be used for the landing and take-off of helicopters and any adjacent areas or buildings used or intended to be used for heliport buildings and heliport facilities.
(Ordinance 381 adopted 4/14/03; 2006 Code, sec. 12.1201)
It shall be unlawful to operate a helicopter within the corporate limits of the town as follows:
(1) 
Unless there is an outstanding airworthiness certificate for each helicopter issued by the Federal Aviation Administration;
(2) 
Unless there is an outstanding valid pilot’s license for each person flying such helicopter issued by the Federal Aviation Administration;
(3) 
Unless the operation and flight of the helicopter within the corporate limits of the town is in conformance with all applicable rules and regulations of the Federal Aviation Administration and the Civil Aeronautics Board;
(4) 
To or from any property other than a heliport approved by the town council; providing, however, the landing and take-off of helicopters at places other than approved heliports may be authorized by obtaining written permission from the town manager, where no federal or local safety regulations are violated and where the owner of person in charge of the area to be used gives his written consent to such use; or
(5) 
Except when taking off or landing at a duly authorized place, to fly at a height of less than one thousand (1,000) feet above the ground level.
(Ordinance 381 adopted 4/14/03; 2006 Code, sec. 12.1202; Ordinance adopting 2021 Code)
In the granting of temporary permits the following standards shall be controlling:
(1) 
Approach areas to and from the landing area shall be reasonably clear of obstruction, which obstructions should not extend above an imaginary line outward from the landing area at an angle of seven (7) to one (1) feet of height for each seven (7) feet of distance from the landing area;
(2) 
There must be an undeveloped path of approach and take-off from the take-off area, to facilitate a forced landing in the event of power failure;
(3) 
The landing area shall be sufficiently fenced or protected to prevent the public from having access to such landing area during landing or take-off operations.
(Ordinance 381 adopted 4/14/03; 2006 Code, sec. 12.1203)
The landing area for all heliports, either permanent or temporary, shall be fenced in such a manner as to keep the public out of the landing area, and the operator shall be obligated to maintain rigid control of the same so as to prevent persons from coming upon the landing area during operations.
(Ordinance 381 adopted 4/14/03; 2006 Code, sec. 12.1204)
Any person violating the provisions of this article shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, shall be fined as prescribed in section 1.01.009 of this code. Each and every day such violation continues shall constitute a separate offense.
(Ordinance 381 adopted 4/14/03; 2006 Code, sec. 12.1205)