The West Hollywood City Council approved new regulations Monday requiring the operators of drones to register them with the city.

An estimated 1 million drones will be given as Christmas gifts this year. The West Hollywood City Council on Monday approved requirements that operators register the unmanned aircraft with the city. (photo courtesy of Pixabay)

The approval comes a week after the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced that non-commercial drone operators will be required to register the unmanned aircraft with federal authorities. Commercial drone operators are already required to register with the FAA.

West Hollywood Mayor Pro Tem Lauren Meister, who authored the motion, said the new rules are necessary to ensure public safety. She added that they “fill in some gaps” between federal and local laws pertaining to drones.

“We feel when it comes to public safety, we have to have some control,” Meister said. “Public safety and privacy are the two main issues. If you want to fly in West Hollywood, you have to register it.”

The rules will not take effect until the city council approves the motion on second reading in January. The new regulations also prohibit operators from flying drones within 25 feet of people, capturing images of people on private property without their consent and operating out of the operator’s line of sight or at an elevation higher than 400 feet in elevation. Additional rules prohibit operators from flying less than 350 feet above schools without permission, as well as over city hall and the West Hollywood Sheriff’s Station. Drone operators are also not allowed to fly in parks during city-sponsored events.

West Hollywood City Attorney Mike Jenkins said the new rules will require operators to get a special permit from the city. All commercial drones used in filming in the city must already register in West Hollywood. Sheriff’s deputies and city code enforcement officials will be tasked with enforcing the regulations. Violations could result in misdemeanors, Jenkins said.

A sticker will be issued that must be placed on the drone to identify the operator to public officials. It is unclear whether a fee will be charged for the registration process, and Jenkins said other details still need to be worked out.

“The use of these devices is a new phenomenon. We are not superseding the federal government,” Jenkins said. “We are trying to address issues of local concern. Health and safety are the key things.”

Meister said she thought about the need for tougher drone regulations when she heard months ago that Amazon.com is looking into using the devices for deliveries. Her concerns were heightened in October when a drone crashed into an electrical line on Sunset Boulevard causing a power outage.

Meister said she has also received complaints about drone operators flying the aircraft over private property, which some people claim is an invasion of privacy. The FAA estimates that one million drones will be sold during the holiday season.

“People will be getting these, and we want to be ready,” Meister said.

Lt. Sergio Aloma, the acting-commanding officer of the West Hollywood Sheriff’s Station, said he has also heard complaints from residents and stories about the danger drones can cause to aircraft. Aloma said while incidents involving drones occur infrequently, he agrees there is a need to stay ahead of the issue.

“It’s kind of a new thing for everyone, and we have to figure out how to regulate it,” Aloma said. “It’s another tool you have to enhance public safety.”