Oyster Bay adopts rules for flying drones

The Oyster Bay Town Board has adopted new rules requiring permits to launch or land unmanned aircraft from or on town property.

The town last week revised the ordinance from an earlier proposal after meeting with hobbyists and commercial operators of drones. Under the adopted measure, operators will need to obtain a seasonal permit Oct. 1 through April 30 and date-specific permits during the summer months.

Supervisor Joseph Saladino said last week that permits were not being issued for the whole summer season because of privacy concerns at the town’s beaches, where some changing rooms don’t have roofs. 

The adopted version removed a $75 permit fee and jail time for violations originally contemplated. First-time violators will be subject to a $500 fee that increases with added violations. The new measure also allows noncommercial operators to demonstrate proof of insurance through membership in the Academy of Model Aeronautics, an Indiana-based organization.