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La Verne introduces ordinance to regulate drone launches and city‑property use
Summary
The council voted 5-0 to introduce by title an ordinance (chapter 8.37) that would regulate drone launching and landing on city property, interference with emergency operations, and privacy; the ordinance does not regulate airspace or pilot certification (FAA retains that authority).
The La Verne City Council on Dec. 15 introduced by title an ordinance creating chapter 8.37 of the municipal code to regulate unmanned aircraft systems (drones) on city property, focusing on launches and landings, interference with emergency operations and privacy concerns. The introduction and waiver of further reading passed 5–0.
Sergeant Francisco "Frankie" Cambero of the La Verne Police Department, who oversees the department’s UAS program, told the council the goal is to fill local gaps while respecting federal authority over navigable airspace. “This ordinance fills those gaps in a matter that is consistent with federal and state law,” he said, adding that the measure does not address flight paths or pilot certification, which remain under FAA jurisdiction.
The ordinance would establish a permitting program for authorized drone activity on city property, allow the city to designate safe launch and landing locations, and treat violations as administrative infractions. Cambero said the rules are intended to reduce the risk that drones will interfere with public‑safety operations, such as aerial firefighting, and to address privacy and harassment complaints.
During council questions, Cambero confirmed that private residents can launch recreational drones from their yards so long as the activity does not require a Part 107 remote‑pilot certification or otherwise interfere with air operations. “They’re able to launch it from their property… as long as they are flying safely and with due regard for airspace,” he said. On enforcement for interference with emergency operations, he said officers could identify a pilot, confiscate devices used during unsafe operations and refer the matter to the FAA and, if appropriate, law enforcement for criminal follow‑up.
Staff said permits could include conditions such as proof of insurance for certain commercial activities; the typical amount cited in the discussion for film/production insurance was $1,000,000. The ordinance includes exemptions for city and mutual‑aid operations and a 30‑day effective period after adoption to allow for public education.
The council voted 5–0 to introduce the ordinance and waive further reading; a second reading/public hearing will be scheduled under the standard ordinance process.
