Title
AMENDMENT TO SECTION C (3) (A) OF CHAPTER VII AND SECTION C (1) OF CHAPTER VIII OF THE CODE OF THE CHICAGO PARK DISTRICT
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To the Honorable Board of Commissioners of the Chicago Park District:
I. Recommendation
It is recommended that the Board of Commissioners grant authority to amend Chapter VII, Section C Subsection (3) (A) of the Chicago Park District Code and is further recommended that the Board of Commissioners amend Chapter VIII, Section C, Subsection 1 prohibiting the use of small unmanned aircraft without a permit.
II. Explanation
Section 7.02 of the Chicago Park District Act, 70 ILCS 1505/7.02, enables the Board of Commissioners to "establish by ordinance all needful rules and regulations for the government and protection of parks..."
The availability and use of drones, quadcopters, multirotors, airplanes or helicopters that are flown under the control of a remote pilot or geographic positioning system (GPS) has expanded tremendously in recent years. More than 200,000 of these small unmanned aircraft are sold annually, or roughly 15,000 to 16,000 each month.
The Federal Aviation Administration has promulgated laws that preempt local jurisdiction over skies above 500 feet, within 5 miles of an airport and over manned or unmanned aircraft over 55 pounds. In areas below, that do not meet those standards, the FAA has sought comment on proposed legislation subject to a two year period of review.
In the meantime, the Park District recognizes that flight of such small, unmanned aircraft is a hobby enjoyed by many, possesses practical commercial uses, but may also pose potential risks to children, families and individuals who visit Park District property. Whether for commercial or recreational purposes, these small aircraft can fall from hundreds of feet above, crash into other craft flying near or hover in a manner that may disturb some people. Moreover, these aircraft may negatively impact the use and enjoyment of ou...
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