What's Happening in Encinitas, CA…

After several incidents and increasing public concern about their use and misuse, Encinitas is considering how to regulate drones.

The matter has come under consideration following a vote by the Encinitas Traffic and Public Safety Commission to recommend that the City Council draft an ordinance about drones before the federal government does so.

Council chairman Brian Grover said banning drones completely removes a lot of the good things about using them. On the other hand, though, has been at the beach and had drones just hovering above him, which he found annoying. He believes the council needs to determine if the use of drones is a public safety issue or not, and whether the council’s staff should draft an ordinance. He believes the answer to both question is ‘yes’.

Drones, which are small, unmanned aircraft, have become extremely popular because they can be used in many ways, including delivering packages and taking photos. However, their use has also raised security, public safety, and nuisance concerns from citizens and people at every level of government.

Encinitas began working on issues and the problems with drone use following several incidents in 2016. In Poway, ordinances have been adopted prohibiting the takeoff and landing of the pilotless vessels in certain places, and where emergencies have been declared.

Agencies such as these could benefit from working with a flyer printing company, which could create material to explain the concerns and proposed resolutions.