[KHTS] – Flying a remote-controlled helicopter, plane or even a small drone might seem like a fun thing to do in a public park, but doing it in a park in Santa Clarita could earn you a citation.
The idea behind the rule banning such devices is a safety consideration, said Rick Gould, director of parks, recreation and community service for Santa Clarita.
“The code was adopted some time ago, but those types of devices, just like a golf ball or anything that’s thrown, could hit a park user,” Gould said.
Sheriff’s Station officials are hearing an increased number of complaints involving “buzzing,” or flying a remote-controlled device near a person or group of individuals, officials confirmed Monday.
“If an individual gets struck with a remote-controlled craft, it could lead to serious injury, or even death,” Dubin said, citing a case in New York last year, when a man nearly decapitated himself in a fatal toy helicopter crash. “The city’s policy is meant to further the safety and enjoyment of all park-goers, and violators could face a citation.”
The city’s rule essentially bans all remote-controlled aerial or aquatic devices unless their use is specifically sanctioned by a park official.
The city’s municipal code regarding the subject (section 14.06.210 E) lays out the policy: “No person shall operate in any park any model airplane, boat, car, craft, or other similar device that is powered by an internal combustion engine, remote control, or other similar or electrical power source, except in an area and at such times as designated for such use by the director.”
Buzzing and other safety concerns are the main reason for the ordinance, officials said, because things could become problematic if residents are trying to do too many disparate activities in a small area.
“If you’re at a soccer game, you sort of expect a soccer ball,” Gould said. “At some point, you just can’t do everything in the same place.”
Sheriff’s Station officials noted they have seen an uptick in activity in the city’s parks, including the use of remote-controlled helicopters, airplanes and boats.
Gould suggested residents take to Castaic Lake if they are so inclined with their battery-operated, remote-controlled fun.
Los Angeles County officials have an area at the lake where residents can fulfill their fun with such toys legally until their heart’s content.
The FAA lays out the rules, regulations and qualifications necessary regarding commercial drone operation, which would be subject to Santa Clarita’s municipal ordinance.
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147 Comments
Wtf!?
Hahahahahahahah
LAME. They keep banning fun and wonder why there’s such a teenage heroin problem out here
@Dan Elrufian. The heroin problem out here is NOT because the kids have no place to have fun, the problem stems from parents burying their heads in the sand, doing drugs themselves, turning their heads, refusing to believe that it could happen to their kids and kids making poor choices. It has nothing to do with our city banning “fun”.
@Dan Elrufian. The heroin problem out here is NOT because the kids have no place to have fun, the problem stems from parents not being parents and burying their heads in the sand, doing drugs themselves, turning their heads, refusing to believe that it could happen to their kids and kids making poor choices. It has nothing to do with our city banning “fun”.
same thing happened in the National Parks. I have mixed thoughts. I understand the noise and safety factor, on the other hand, on the creative side, if someone knows what they’re doing, the video possibilities are extraordinary. But, it all comes down to the reaffirmation of Gov’t control of the airspace and the litigation factors overriding freedom to keep us safe from ourselves. It’s amazing that we as a species ever made it across the risk laden Atlantic Ocean to “The New World” much less the American Continent. No one would have been able to afford the insurance.
Yup! Next, Take away flying kites and kids will just find the crack pipe instead.
If it’s a similar danger as to “anything that’s thrown,” why don’t they just ban all park activities excluding running and walking? Why does the city have to police what is ultimately the responsibility of a drone or helicopter owner? (that being the safe and responsible operation of their own device)
Not surprising. Typical SCV, ban and enforce.
I’ve been flying my RC Helicopter since i was a kid, about 13 years now and now you’re telling me that it’s illegal?
I fly my heli’s and planes near daily in Central Park. Been flying there for 37 years..Even when it was a farm field!
I know right, just put it this way. Flying my chopper at my local park brings back memories of when i was little which is a good thing but now i’ll get cited for reliving my childhood? thats real messed up.
I live less than 100 yards from Central Park. I’ll keep flying there. Cops aren’t going to waste their time over a call of someone having fun, minding their own business and not bothering anyone at the far empty end of the park. A couple days ago I was flying there with some friends and a cop drove by us, saw us flying and didn’t say a word. Another time 2 cops came over and was asking questions and watching us fly. They had no issues… They have bigger things to deal with than someone peacefully and safely flying at the far end of the park.
I live less than 100 yards from Central Park. I’ll keep flying there. Cops aren’t going to waste their time over a call of someone having fun, minding their own business and not bothering anyone at the far empty end of the park. A couple days ago I was flying there with some friends and a cop drove by us, saw us flying and didn’t say a word. Another time 2 cops came over and was asking questions and watching us fly. They had no issues… They have bigger things to deal with than someone peacefully and safely flying at the far end of the park.
I flew my heli there today about 3 hours ago. Nobody said a thing.
I flew my heli there today about 3 hours ago. Nobody said a thing.
My child prints out blue prints he finds on line and builds his own planes. It makes him use his brain for creativity and following directions. He and his dad go over the specs and order parts online and go to local hobby stores. He puts it together along with a couple of friends in our garage. (His friends build their own). Then they go off to the local park and see if their work was a success or what adjustments they need to make. Many people come over and talk to him to ask what kind of plane he’s flying as he had made some really unique ones that can’t be bought. He’s just as safe if not safer than the boy who is hitting a baseball with their dad. My son has respect and doesn’t go after anyone. He doesn’t want to ruin his own creation not hurt anyone. This is ridiculous. As parents we can’t always be with our kids and allowing him to go to the park in our neighborhood is what the park is for!!!
Not saying it’s good/bad, BUT if I’m not mistaken, crime, drugs, crack and juvenile delinquency PREDATES the drones
What some of the other comments are referring to is the fact that they are taking a safe hobby away from kids that can help keep them away from drugs. I think the city doesn’t offer or allow enough activities for teens to do. If you don’t play a sport or go to the movies there isn’t much for a kid to do out here. “Drones” use to be called remote controlled aircraft or RC Planes. RC helicopters and planes aren’t anything new either, my father use to fly them at canyon country park back when I was a little kid.
Oh btw my son doesn’t have a camera or drone. Just a creative mind and love for a simple sport. And his are quiet!!
Also the article states anything that’s thrown. Then why is football and baseball practices allowed there??
Ridiculous!
It’s probably just a way to get people back in Castaic since they shut down swimming for the summer.
How stupid are you people. Kids are supposed to be kids. Lets tell them next; that we can’t ride our bikes due to the fact they could fall.
Another case of our government protecting us from ourselves. What a joke.
Gino :(
It is ridiculous, I agree. But its silly to say that not being aloud to fly a plane would result in drug usage. “I can’t have fun and fly my drone….let’s do heroin instead!” Smh…
Woooow santa clarita just got more awsome =_=
Yay for awsome town!! NOT!!!!
If you find this as ridiculous and idiotic as I do send Mr. Gould an email. I did. Rgould@santa-clarita.com
I feel safer already!!
Such B.S…. What’s next no kites?
Kites and frizbees.
This ban is only for parks so that means we go fly at the wash or wherever there is a clear sky. The FAA has been removed from regulating the use of sUAV’s so it is ridiculous to even place them in the article. It’s typical politics trying to ruin this city.
Nancy Gabor, you’re right that the two variables are not directly related to each other, but the main idea behind the drug point is that SCV is known to have a hard drug problem and taking alway alternative forms of fun and personal enjoyment doesn’t exactly help anything. Regardless of any drug issue, I think the law is ridiculous.
That’s crap
Geez, the parks are there for people to enjoy. That includes remote cars, planes and helicopters. These activities are no more a danger or noise issue than the pre-teens that ride bikes & skate boards or the lil guys that play ball sports not to mention the toddlers that scream, run and cause a ruckus while having fun. IT IS THE FRIGGIN PARK!!!! We paid for them so we could do all the things we can’t do elsewhere. SCV needs to pull it together, this is a family oriented area so let’s act like it!!!
Adam Silberberg
Parks…. I’m not flying at city parks… and the HOA park isn’t city owned, so I could technically fly it there too I believe.
Kites are just as dangerous! I’ve been alms or hit by more kites than RC planes.
My son, once with me and once without me, has been mouthed at by male teenagers doing nothing at the park. They all trashed talked us and I just laughed. I was just going to call the police to report the nuisance but the teens left. I know why the teens were at the park and it wasn’t to partake in the activities a park can offer.
I used to fly my drone all the time. Now I just wanna smoke Crack.
We need to change this! Petition anyone?
So does this mean that we will now need to build another park just for remote control vehicles like the sports and skate parks? Why don’t we also builld one just for toddlers, one for teens and one for the rest of us. Why not use the police force where it is actually needed, out on the streets!!!
So does this mean that the sheriffs can’t use drones to spy on us in the parks? Lol
What’s next they are going to ban RC cars because they go past 50mph on streets
“except in an area and at such times as designated for such use by the director.”
What times and places has the parks director designated as approved RC aircraft?
I don’t see how this law is in effect. Does anyone remember voting for this?
Crazy
Some additional information: The FAA Modernization Act that Congress passed in 2012 specifically stated in Section 336:
—
SEC. 336. SPECIAL RULE FOR MODEL AIRCRAFT.
(a) IN GENERAL.—Notwithstanding any other provision of law relating to the incorporation of unmanned aircraft systems into Federal Aviation Administration plans and policies, including this subtitle, the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration may not promulgate any rule or regulation regarding a model aircraft, or an aircraft being developed as a model aircraft, if—
(1) the aircraft is flown strictly for hobby or recreational use;
(2) the aircraft is operated in accordance with a community- based set of safety guidelines and within the programming of a nationwide community-based organization;
(3) the aircraft is limited to not more than 55 pounds unless otherwise certified through a design, construction, inspection, flight test, and operational safety program adminis- tered by a community-based organization;
(4) the aircraft is operated in a manner that does not interfere with and gives way to any manned aircraft; and (5) when flown within 5 miles of an airport, the operator of the aircraft provides the airport operator and the airport air traffic control tower (when an air traffic facility is located at the airport) with prior notice of the operation (model aircraft operators flying from a permanent location within 5 miles of an airport should establish a mutually-agreed upon operating procedure with the airport operator and the airport air traffic control tower (when an air traffic facility is located at the
airport)).
—
With regards to commercial use, the FAA is trying to assert that commercial flight of drones is illegal, despite there being no official, legally-enforceable regulations against it—a point that the FAA has already lost in court (an appeal is still pending).
rgould@santa-clarita.com
2 things:
1. if the government can fly drones then I sure as hell can
2. My tax dollars paid for the parks so deal with it.
So much for parks being public.
You people are ridiculous.
Wow this is just ridiculous one less thing to do here.
That is totally Ignorant.
Gay
What isn’t illegal!
But hiring a drone with a camera to record the event is perfectly legal??
Yeah i always turn to heroin when they won’t allow me to do whatever I want.
What about baseball. once you hit that thing there’s no telling where it’s going to land. We must band all dangerous and fun activities and just stay home where we are safe.
Santa Clarita has 2 different rc plane clubs out here. The first is located just above the lower castaic lake and is called Canyon Crosswinds and the second one is Santa Clarita Soaring Association.
http://www.canyoncrosswinds.com
Santa Clarita Soaring Association does not have a flying field.
Crosswinds limits membership to 125 members according to the AMA Web site: http://www.modelaircraft.org/clubdetails.aspx?club=1433
See, the article states that you can take your radio controlled devices to Castaic Lake and, ” to fulfill their fun until their heart’s content.” First of all, that is a private organization flying club that you not only must pay yearly dues to but must be trained and pass a test before you can fly. Second, even if people do go up there, cars arent even allowed in the area, and therefore could cause frequency interferrence when people without proper radio tags. So, like many others have stated, this new ‘law’ is completely out of line and will only cause issues rather than alleviate them.
Justin Malson
@mdv velozo Rubio Reyes
So then I guess we should ban Baseball, Frisbee, Football, and especially flying a kite as well since these are all objects that could potentially hit someone at the park. Oh and ban those annoying bees and birds too because I find their buzzing and chirping annoying also.
Trevor Fitch
John Lazar!!!! SHOW THIS TO WAYNE BIVENS!!!! HE MIGHT JUST GO NUTS AGAIN!! LOL!!
Going to go fly my “drone” at the park this evening in protest of this moronic law.
LOL hey, this isn’t Texas, it’s California … it’s not like you can do whatever you want around here!
Stop buliding home near park !!or dont build them at all if we gonna have this issue !!
That’s funny. I see one at concerts in the every time I’m there and the city hired him. What if I don’t want to be recorded?
you’re at a public venue….
Joke. So you’re telling me that some little kid with a RC car is somehow a public safety concern? I’m sure this is coming from the person that was whining about a drone flying around the concert a couple weeks ago.
City probably overstepped it’s authority here. The FAA has ultimate jurisdiction over airspace for manned and unmanned aircraft. No one wants to be buzzed or spied on by a drone, but I doubt this would stand against a challenge. http://articles.latimes.com/2002/nov/02/local/me-banners
Dimitri Maxwell
How else am I supposed to collect moon rocks?!?
Drones are for wat there made for spying get a small plane or helicopter
?
Yeah well they had to stop a guy from flying his drone in the fire zone near Yosemite yesterday. Wouldn’t want them flying around the aircraft already risking there lives fighting the fires.
How do these idiots end up in positions of authority? No one likes invasion of privacy. Why is it so difficult to see that this ain’t that. This ‘ol Newhall kid is disappointed. …but I moved to the hills over two decades ago because I saw this coming.
So it’s ok to fly one over thousands of people at a concert but not in a open field at the park! Make sense!
“Drones”
Nobody in Santa Clarita wants a one eyed kid.
Too many “boys with toys” in Santa Clarita perhaps?
Only good if it applies to government drones. So sick of “Do as I say, not as I do”. #freepeopledontaskpermission #donttellmewhattodo.
?????
Government drones spy n kill thats wat drones, r for so y u need a drone for ?
Lame
Recall the city council!!!
Did you guys know that most drones have cameras so people can snoop on you. That’s creepy.
That’s not true. That’s like saying that all cell phones have cameras so people can snoop on you.
Paranoia will destroy ya! LOL
tin·foil hat
nounhumorous
used in allusion to the belief that wearing a hat made from tinfoil will protect one against government surveillance or mind control by extraterrestrial beings.
“you don’t need to be wearing a tinfoil hat to understand that your privacy might not be as private as you would think”
I say no small aircraft either, they always wake us up at the darnest times.
For us that do fly boo hoo
More stupid laws. Nice going Santa Clarita.
Don’t agree w this rule. Though the heroin comments…. Think it’s upto the parents to watch our children. Drugs don’t come from not flying our toys. Also there are other towns we ca move to or drive to. I still can’t get over kids not being able to simply run at school. Lol
Greg Celentano
Greg Celentano
Dumb dumb dumb! What’s the point of having parks (that our tax dollars paid for) if we’re not allowed to have fun in them?
Dumb dumb dumb! What’s the point of having parks (that our tax dollars paid for) if we’re not allowed to have fun in them?
booooooooooooooooo……lame
booooooooooooooooo……lame
There are no public places to fly and thing RC at castaic lake.
There are no public places to fly and thing RC at castaic lake.
Canyon Crosswinds on the plateau above the lower lake. It’s a private club and it’s always windy.. I fly in Central Park and Lost Cyn out here. Hit the basin on weekends.
I get making it illegal to fly over someones home without permission but not being allowed to fly them at a park? Maybe the large and very fast RC planes but a quad copter isn’t going to hurt anyone.
I get making it illegal to fly over someones home without permission but not being allowed to fly them at a park? Maybe the large and very fast RC planes but a quad copter isn’t going to hurt anyone.
Bullcrap
Can’t play with toys at a public park. Real classy scv
You can blame the yuppy a-holes in “awesome town” for this one! What do expect from people that gave the thumbs up to the name “awesome town”!
Funny…. Why do people act as if it’s an evasion of privacy??? They are all already on the net! Nothing is private anymore…..knock yourself out my drony friend. I have nothing to hide!
Now we just have to fly these toys in residential neighborhoods… I wonder what bad could come up there.
Eric Baker great…… cant fly at park anymore
Canyon Crosswinds in Castaic sucks ass! I refuse to join that club. I’m a happy member of the Valley Flyers at the basin. I’ve been flying my planes and heli’s for years at Central Park even when it was a farm field. The park management have even said they don’t mind me or others flying, as long as we fly safe and away from others with electrics only. If need be, I can still fly at the basin….
What’s next? You can’t play ball at the park? High speeds can injure someone right? Bs
STUPID!!!
Way to go “awesometown”. Just another reason added to the list of why I don’t want to live here.
Bring on the drones, I want the sky buzzing with drones bringing us pizza, pharmacy, dry cleaning, everything we have to get into cars for.
Laws like this were meant to be broken.
stupid
Nicholas, that sucks.
Santa Clarita just want to suck the joy out of everything
Makes me want to go buy one just to fly it
Hysteria drives, while reasonableness takes a backseat! And hysteria sells!!!
Boooooo shame on you santa clarita
Let all get one go to the parks in groups of 1000 and see what happens.
Flying my 3rd scale Yak 54 anyway XD
Roberto Cholvin
Voicing my opinion. “DISLIKE”
Kyle
Have there been a rash of drone related injuries lately? What the percentage of people actually filing complaints? There are already plenty of rules in place to prevent disturbance and hold people accountable for injury. I would like to know who made and voted for this ordinance. What a joke. This would never stand up in supreme court. Its public space.
I never thought I’d live to see the day when RC cars and boats are banned… What a wonderful city we live in.
thats stupid!!! no wonder why kids turn to drugs out there. the town is ruining their lives not them….thats just ridiculous..
Larry Totter
Santa Clarita needs to get over themselves. What a joke. Let kids be kids.
Santa Clarita needs to get over themselves. What a joke. Let kids be kids.
Why is everything illegal in SCV?!?!?
Because it’s easier to ban something based on sensationalized (and incorrect) information from the media than it is to actually put some thought and research into the subject. I will say again, statistically, it is more dangerous to allow baseball than it is to allow small RC planes and helicopters.
What about the high frequency equipment located all around Central Park?? Id like to know what all that HAARP looking high frequency weather modification stuff is doing in the middle of a highly poplulated area?? Cate to comment on that???
So I’ve been flying my drone (which is not big at all) in one of the parks near me for a while now and i just saw this article. I completely get why people don’t like them, but come on, a ban on all parks!? That’s just wrong. At least have one or two places somewhere that we can go and fly them. And I’m sure nobody wants to go all the way out to Castaic lake to fly for like 20 min then go home. I bought this thing to I had something to do and so I’m not so temped to stay on my video games. The city really needs to rethink this…
The city can only regulate where you take off, land, and control your drone. They have no authority to control the airspace, you can legally go to central park, park your car, and walk out beyond the borders of the park and fly your drone, so long as you stay within visual line of sight, so stand on the sidewalk on bouquet Cyn and fly all you want around the park. Just not over people or cars and don’t land on the park.. and just to make a point do it in front of the main entrance of the park.. so the park and rec guys can see you and not be able to do anything about it.
“Park and rec guys?” A little sexist, maybe? Plus, we’re trying to envision a big team of park maintenance staffers(!), much less maintenance staffers getting on you about your drone — can’t quite picture that. They’ll just call the sheriffs, who will nail you for disturbing the peace.