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Drone Use Policies
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The City of Eugene's Drone Advisory Committee has created new policies focused on public safety and privacy protections.
The use of small unmanned aerial systems (sUAS), also referred to as "drones," may vary among different departments within the City of Eugene. Therefore, each participating department has created a specific policy to establish guidelines for safe, efficient and lawful operations of drones.
How Drones May Be Used by the City of Eugene
This far-reaching technology may be used for, but is not limited to:
- Protect the lives and property of citizens and first responders
- Enhance situational awareness during emergency response
- Inspect facilities, assets, infrastructure and natural resources
- Enhance services provided to the community
Drones will always be operated in a constitutionally and legally sound manner that respects and protects the privacy and civil liberties of all. Safety is the primary concern in each and every operation.
City of Eugene Drone Policies and Contacts
- Eugene Police Department Policy
Contact: Sergeant Kyle Williams - Eugene Springfield Fire Policy
Contact: Markus Lay - Public Works Policy
Contact: Paul Gordon - Risk Services/Emergency Management (policy coming soon)
Contact: Kevin Holman - City of Eugene Administrative Policy Manual - Small Unmanned Aerial Systems
The City of Eugene’s Administrative Policy Manual requires each participating department to adopt a department-specific policy. Eugene City Council subsequently approved Administrative Order 21-19-03 to repeal previous policies and validate the updated policies above.
For the Public: Drone Safety
Users who fly a drone for recreation are responsible for following all FAA rules for recreational flyers, including those not published here.
- Register your drone with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and label it with the registration number it as required. (You may want to include your phone number on your drone.)
- Follow the safety guidelines of a model aircraft community-based organization.
- Fly at or below 400 feet when in uncontrolled airspace.
- Fly within visual line-of-sight, meaning you as the drone operator can see your drone at all times without binoculars.
- Never fly near other aircraft or emergency response efforts.
- Do not fly over groups of people, public events or crowds in stadiums.
- Consult with the FAA and receive authorization to fly near airports or other restricted areas.
The City of Eugene would also like to remind drone operators to:
- Be considerate of other park users.
- Never fly your drone in a way that is disruptive to wildlife or other animals.
- Visit the FAA's website for the latest updates.