Park District Might Require Permits To Fly Drones In Parks
CHICAGO (CBS) -- The Chicago Park District is moving to require permits for anyone to operate drones in public parks or harbors.
On Wednesday, the Chicago Park District Board is scheduled to vote on a proposed change to the Park District Code, banning the use of small unmanned aircraft without a permit.
According to a copy of the proposal, while Park District officials acknowledge flying drones is a popular hobby, and also has practical business purposes, they said drones might "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 our parks, museums and harbors. The permitting process will allow the Park District to manage the potential risks associated with the use of drones and other unmanned small aircraft while still allowing their recreational and commercial use," the proposal states.
The proposal does not specify how much a person would have to pay to obtain a permit to use a drone in the city's parks and harbors, but indicates the process would be similar to how the Park District issues permits for parades, picnics, sporting events, fireworks displays, concerts, horseback riding, or mooring boats.
The Park District also requires permits for anyone to land an airplane, helicopter, hot air balloon, parachute, or other flying machine within the parks.
Opponents of the proposed restrictions on drones planned to attend Wednesday's Park District meeting at Indian Boundary Park, to protest the measure, citing fears permits would be too difficult to obtain.
