City Councilman Says He Is Responding to Multiple Complaints About The Aircraft

The City Council of Newton Falls, OH will consider a local drone ordinance that its sponsor says will enhance public safety and protect citizens' privacy.

The bill was proposed by Councilman-at-large Tarry Alberini, who told Cleveland television station WJW that he has received several complaints about drones from his constituents, and asked the village law director to craft the ordinance.

Law Director Joe Fritz said that the primary concerns are safety and privacy. The ordinance is similar to those passed in other cities, he said, and would prevent drone flights over public parks or buildings such as schools and utility structures without permission. The privacy of property owners is also protected, Fritz said.

Generally, the law would give local authorities to enforce federal laws already on the books, Fritz told the station. He said that the proposed local ordinance is no more restrictive than existing federal regulations, but that it was unlikely that violations in such a small town would be a high priority for federal authorities.

The local law would make infractions a fourth degree misdemeanor.

"I don't have a problem with drones. I think they are a great tool for safety forces and things like that and businesses, but I think there has to be some type of parameters for people to operate those drones," said Alberini.

The bill has already passed on its first reading. It will not be up for a final vote before next month at the earliest.

(Image from file)

FMI: Original report