City Council is expected to pass legislation Monday night regulating aerial drones, both commercial and private, by allowing police to enforce restrictions already set by the Federal Aviation Administration.
The city said the law would allow local authorities to assist the FAA in regulating drones, including requiring drone operators to register with the federal agency. Operators who don't register could minor misdemeanor charge against the operator.
The legislation mirrors FAA rules, Cleveland said, and would also require a drone operator to notify an airport and its control tower if the operator intended to fly the device within a 5-mile radius of the airport.
Drone operators in Cleveland who violate FAA rules could face fourth-degree misdemeanors and/or federal charges from the FAA.
BASIC FAA DRONE RULES
• Fly below 400 feet altitude.
• Keep the drone within eye sight.
• Never fly near manned aircraft.
• Never fly over an airport or its landing and takeoff spaces.
• Never fly over groups of people, stadiums or sporting events.
• Never fly near responding emergency vehicles.
