SR-106-031-02
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SEP 1 2 1989
Santa Monica, California
CARs: BFM:JL:kb. staffrp
council Meeting: september 12, 1989
STAFF REPORT
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TO: Mayor and city council
FROM: Recreation and Parks Commission
SUBJECT: REGULATIONS AND/OR RESTRICTIONS ON REMOTE CONTROL
MODELS
INTRODUCTION
During the past several months, City Council and city Staff have
received numerous complaints regarding the use of remote control
operated model helicopters and airplanes in city parks, primarily
stewart street Park.
The complaints and concerns cite noise,
location and safety issues. This report responds to a request by
the City Council to investigate the need for regulations and/or
restrictions on the use of remote control models.
DISCUSSION
At the meeting of the Recreation and Parks Commission on August
17, 1989, staff expressed its view that the operation of remote
control model aircraft of any kind is not compatible with heavy
park use.
These working models generate excessive noise
impacting both the park patrons and nearby residents. They also
pose a potential safety hazard.
Given the space requirements necessary for a safe flying and
landing take-off area, staff expressed the view that such a
designated area would be poor utilization of already limited park
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SEP 1 2 1989
open space.
san~Monica has 1.6 acres of ~n space for every
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1,000 persons residing in the City.
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At the Recreation and Parks Commission meeting on August 17,
1989, the Recreation and Parks Commission voted to approve
staff's recommendation that the city council adopt an ordinance
restricting the use of remote control models.
BUDGETARY/FINANCIAL IMPACT
There is no budgetary/financial impact associated with this
request.
RECOMMENDATION
The Recreation and Parks Commission recommends that the City
Council direct the city Attorney to prepare an ordinance
providing that: "No person shall land, take off or release any
balloon (except children toy balloons not inflated with any
flammable material), helicopter, parakite, hang glider, aircraft
or powered models thereof, except in designated areas."
Prepared by: Barbara Franklin-Moran
Director, Cultural and Recreation Services
John Lynd
Parks Superintendent, Cultural and Recreation
Services
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