Tourist Attractions, Sports Teams Support The Move

The city of San Diego, CA has adopted new drone regulations that officials say take into account the concerns of drone operators and enhance safety.

The San Diego Union Tribune reports that the new rules allow more aggressive enforcement by local law enforcement entities by codifying them. Local police can now issue citations and fines for violations.

The new rules were praised by Sea World and the San Diego Padres organizations. City Council members say that the new rules improve safety while not infringing on hobbyists. The council, which was passed unanimously, also said that the rules will not have a chilling effect on Southern California's growing drone industry. In fact, Councilman Chris Cate said that San Diego remains "absolutely a model for fostering the development of this industry.”

There is, of course, a faction that says the rules are still too lenient, particularly when it comes to privacy. But Tiffany Vinson, the city’s senior homeland security coordinator, said the city "does not need to create novelty laws specific to drones."

(Image from file)

FMI: www.sandiego.gov/citycouncil