This topic has been on my radar for some time.
A few years back, various restrictions around the Bay Area began to appear, which have now become so extensive that finding an open space from which to operate is challenging to say the least. The poster is correct, the EBRPD had restricted all drone operations from any of the areas it manages. That doesn’t sound like that big of a deal, until you realize that this organization manages all the parks, open spaces, reserves, scenic areas and bay access across the area, roughly 1745 square miles of public land. It’s effectively a ban of drone use across the region.
I protested to the EBRPD board, auguring that an outright ban was overlying restrictive, counter to the EBEPD charter to preserve these lands for the “use and enjoyment of the public”, and proposed a permitting system as an alternative.
After a lot of back and forth, I got the following response:
“After speaking with the AGM, he directed me to request that you submit a formal proposal to the General Manager regarding the intended drone operation. I recommend limiting the proposal to under 5 pages. I’ve listed some bullet points your proposal should cover, but don’t feel limited by it. Please add any information that you think would be helpful! Let me know if you have any questions.
Your group’s objectives in conducting this activity and how that aligns with the Park District’s mission.
Please confirm this is a group of friends conducting drone flights, not a non-profit or for-profit club
Outline your group’s approach to conducting drone flights and how it will be managed:
Purpose of flights
Number of people during a flight (and how many drones will be in use)
Confirm they all have pilot’s licenses and drone registration certificates
Parks (and where in the park) the drone will operate and flight over: you find maps here à
EBRPD - Maps
Radius of operations from point of takeoff
Note any hazards such as power lines in the area
Flight dates
Time frame of drone operation
Examples of any signage that you’ll bring in that would notify the public of drone use in process
Describe safety procedures
If the General Manager and Board of Directors determines your group can fly drones, it will likely require either a Special Use Agreement or Special Event permit because recreational drone use is prohibited in Ordinance 38. There is an insurance requirement and I’ve included a screenshot below. There will likely be an associated fee too.”
I was asked to provide proof of insurance up to $1m in liability and $2m in aggregate. At which point I gave up.
Essentially, the district will allow for commercial access, but a hobbyist is out of luck. If enough people are willing to push back, maybe we will see some change. Currently, we have local commissions essentially denying all access and just living with it.
