Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Drones topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Ossining board to hold public hearing on proposed drone rules after staff overview
Summary
Town staff presented a draft local law to require permits and insurance for most drone operations, outline operating prohibitions, and impose escalating fines; the board voted to call a public hearing on Aug. 11, 2026.
Town staff presented a draft local law to regulate unmanned aircraft systems and the Town of Ossining board voted to schedule a public hearing on Aug. 11, 2026 to solicit public comment.
A staff presenter explained the draft is modeled on the village's ordinance and would create a permitting process that requires applicants to provide contact information, the pilot's name, whether the flight is recreational or commercial, the planned area of operation and the times of use. The presenter said the law includes insurance requirements and conduct duties for permittees and would be enforced by the police department.
"Because right now, there's there's no prohibitions, there's no permitting process, etcetera," the staff member said, arguing a local law would provide clearer administration and enforcement. The presentation listed prohibited conduct including encroaching on another person's property without permission; operating within the limits of a school, house of worship or government building without express written consent; dropping items; and operating while under the influence.
The presenter read the draft penalties included in the ordinance as presented to the board: first-offense fines in the hundreds, escalations for repeat offenses into the low thousands, and a possible jail term (as noted in the draft). Board members asked how exemptions would apply to law-enforcement or educational activities and whether media organizations would be required to obtain permits; staff said exemptions would be limited to entities authorized under federal, state or municipal law and that media would generally be required to obtain permits unless otherwise licensed.
Under a resolution adopted later in the meeting, the board formally called a public hearing on the proposed local law for Aug. 11 at 7:30 p.m., to be held at the court facility with Zoom access and information posted on the town website. The hearing will be the next opportunity for residents to review the proposed rules and provide feedback.
