Only Commercial Operators Would Be Allowed To Apply For Permits From The City

The Atherton, CA City Council has given initial approval to an ordinance that severely limits how drones can be operated in the city.

The San Jose Mercury News reports that the council mainly used the privacy argument to make its case. The ordinance says that drones cannot be operated "in a manner that violates an individual’s reasonable expectation of privacy."

The ordinance would also ban the operation of hobby drones in Holbrook-Palmer Park, with council members saying noise from some drones could be disturbing to park users who go there for "peace and quiet."

At least one council member said drones should be banned from the park, but others said that they should be allowed to shoot video and stills at events like weddings held there. The council adopted language for the ordinance that would limit city drone permits for the park to qualified commercial operators.

The ordinance also places restrictions on model aircraft flights in the city.

The ordinance will be before the council again for a second reading and final vote on March 15. If it passes, which is expected, it would go into effect April 14th.

(Image from file)

FMI: Proposed Ordinance