Hobbyists Would Be Basically Banned Everywhere Except Their Own Property

Hobbyist drone pilots in Garfield, NJ are facing one of the most restrictive local ordinances we've heard of in quite some time. The City is working on regulations that would ban hobby drone operators from flying anywhere except over their own property. Flying above other residences or a practically any public space, park, road or government building would be prohibited.

The New Jersey Herald reports that the city says it is taking the steps to protect privacy and due to safety concerns.

But even the city's leaders admit there have been no problems. The city even used a drone to record video its centennial parade in April. But Mayor Mark Rigoglioso said that while there have been "no issues ... we think this is something towns will be dealing with down the road and wanted to address it now."

The ordinance was introduced May 30, and establishes a new chapter in the city code. It creates the normal carve-outs for law enforcement and public safety aircraft used by state and federal agencies. It also allows drones to be flown:

• Non-for-profit, licensed, or accredited educational research colleges, universities or scientific institutions for educational, scientific, environmental or resource management purposes.
• For athletic or other events taking place on property owned or operated by the city, public or private school, college or university, or athletic association, provided that permission has been granted by the institution or entity that owns or operates the property and the sponsor of the event and attendees are notified.  
• During daylight hours for business purposes in the airspace within the boundary lines of private commercial or residential property with the property owner's consent. Data collect should only be limited to the relating properties that provide consent.

Drone operators would be required to pay a $70 registration fee annually to the city.

"This is a different day and age and drones are popular," Councilman Frank Calandriello told the New Jersey Herald. "People are entitled to their privacy and that's what I was looking for the ordinance to guarantee."

(Image from file)

FMI: Original Report