Police Department
Reference: Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Rules and Regulations
To: Mayor Richard N. McLean and Members of City Council
Through: Clint Blackhurst Interim City Manager
Prepared By: Paul Southard, Chief of Police
Date Prepared: July 27, 2017
PURPOSE
To inform City Council of FAA rules and regulations regarding the use of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV), AKA drones.
BACKGROUND
With advances in UAV technology the use of these vehicles has become commonplace. Citizens, businesses and government entities use UAVs for many purposes. For example, the Brighton Fire Department recently shared video of a major firefighting operation. This video was recorded via a UAV flown over the scene. The Police Department has used UAVs to record aerial footage of major accident scenes.
UAVs can prove to be a valuable tool. However, recreational use of UAVs can be controversial. Invasion of privacy, trespassing and other uses causing annoyances are concerns to be addressed.
CONCLUSIONS
While FAA rules apply to Unmanned Aerial Vehicles these rule are difficult to enforce on the local level. A city ordinance crafted to address the public use of UAVs would allow for enforcement of rules and regulations.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
N/A
OPTIONS FOR COUNCIL CONSIDERATION
1) Approve
2) Decline
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Move forward with development of an ordinance regulating the use of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles.