Mary Hansen
The State Journal-Register
The Springfield City Council on Tuesday advanced a proposal that would prohibit the flight of unmanned aircraft over city-owned property, including the City Water, Light and Power plant, and active police and fire investigation sites.
“(The ordinance covers) areas where if a drone were to have a mechanical malfunction and crash, it could cause damage to city property or cause a public safety issue,” said Ward 8 Ald. Theilen, who proposed the ordinance.
The restrictions are in line with Federal Aviation Administration rules on drones, said Jim Zerkle, the city’s corporation counsel. The FAA regulates recreational use of drones differently than commercial use. Theilen’s proposal would cover both uses and impose a $300 for violations.
All hobbyists must register their drones that weigh less than 55 pounds with the FAA and put the registration number on the machine. The agency’s rules and guidelines can be found on its website.
The aldermen debated a more restrictive drone ordinance in November, but tabled it after drone hobbyists and others expressed opposition. There were also concerns that the FAA hadn’t passed regulations yet and the city ordinance would conflict with those.
Ward 7 Ald. Joe McMenamin asked at Tuesday’s committee of the whole meeting if the council should hold off on approving this proposal until a state-appointed commission released its report on drone use.
The city council could vote on the ordinance at next Tuesday’s meeting.
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Joe McMenamin for Ward 7 