The operation of unpiloted aircraft such as model aircraft and
civil unpiloted aircraft systems ("UASs"), commonly known as drones,
can at times pose a hazard to full-scale aircraft in flight and to
persons and property on the ground. Imposing community-based safety
requirements on the operation of model aircraft and imposing restrictions
on the operation of both model aircraft and civil UASs consistent
with Federal Aviation Rules and state law is necessary to mitigate
such risks and to protect the public from the hazards associated with
the operation of unpiloted aircraft.
(Ord. 16-974 § 1, 2016)
The following words, phrases and terms as used in this chapter
shall have the meanings indicated as follows:
"Civil UAS"
shall mean an unpiloted aircraft or unpiloted aircraft system
operated by any person for any purposes other than strictly hobby
or recreational purposes, including, but not limited to, commercial
purposes or in furtherance of, or incidental to, any business or media
service or agency.
"Model aircraft"
shall mean an unpiloted aircraft or unpiloted aircraft system
operated by any person strictly for hobby or recreational purposes.
"Person"
shall mean any individual, partnership, corporation, or joint-venture.
"Public UAS"
shall mean an unpiloted aircraft or unpiloted aircraft system
operated by any public agency for government related purposes.
"Unpiloted aircraft"
shall mean an aircraft, including, but not limited to, an
aircraft commonly known as a drone, that is operated without the possibility
of direct human intervention from within or on the aircraft (and shall
mean the equivalent of "unmanned aircraft" as that term is used in
federal and state law and regulations).
"Unpiloted aircraft system"
shall mean an unpiloted aircraft and associated elements,
including, but not limited to, any communication links and components
that control the unpiloted aircraft (and shall mean the equivalent
of "unmanned aircraft system" as that term is used in federal and
state law and regulations).
(Ord. 16-974 § 1, 2016)
It is unlawful for any person to violate or fail to comply with this chapter. Any person violating the provisions of this chapter shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and subject to the provisions of Chapter
1.08 of this Code.
(Ord. 16-974 § 1, 2016)
This chapter shall not apply to any civil UAS operated pursuant
to and in compliance with the terms and conditions of a valid city-issued
film permit with Federal Aviation Administration authorization or
any public UAS operated pursuant to, and in compliance with, the terms
and conditions of any current and enforceable authorization granted
by the Federal Aviation Administration.
(Ord. 16-974 § 1, 2016)