Prairie Village, Kan. Proposes Ordinance to Restrict Drone Use

Mayor of Prairie Village Eric Mikkelson (Kan.) proposed an ordinance that would restrict the use of unmanned aerial vehicles.

According to a news report, the ordinance would prohibit the recreational use of drones:

in a manner that is “offensive to a reasonable expectation of safety from bodily harm” to a person not involved in the drone’s operation
over event venues where more than 100 people are gathered, unless the organizer of the event has given consent
over property the drone operator does not own
for the purposes of surveillance
while the operator is under the influence of alcohol or drugs
if a drone is equipped when any kind of weapon or fireworks.

The ordinance allows for the operation of drones for “recreational or hobby purposes in a city-owned park so long as the operator and UAV comply with all other requirements.” Violations of the ordinance would be categorized as a Class C misdemeanor, which are punishable by up to a month in jail and a fine up of up $500, says the report.

According to the report, members of the council were concerned about the privacy of Prairie Village residents from intrusion from unmanned aerial vehicles and from any potential video surveillance.

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