Law enforcement and public drone use sees new regulations in Waite Park

WAITE PARK — The Waite Park City Council unanimously approved a new drone ordinance Monday night, following more than a year of discussions.

"The City of Waite Park continues to see more usage of drones throughout the city and has not had a drone ordinance in place that provides some direction on where drones can be used throughout the city," a staff memo states.

The ordinance prohibits the public from using drones outside the boundaries of the operator's private property unless the operator is hired or invited by the property owner for a specific purpose.

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An example provided in the ordinance is hiring a drone photographer to take aerial photographs for marketing properties for sale.

These restrictions also apply to public property and events. However, drone usage in these areas can be permitted if the operator obtains permission from the city. The ordinance includes a drone permit process that imposes restrictions, such as requiring the drone operator to have liability insurance.

The ordinance also regulates law enforcement. Law enforcement agencies are required to train officers on drone usage, with training allowed on city-owned property.

Law enforcement officials can use drones without a search warrant in cases of emergencies involving death or bodily harm, public events facing safety risks, terrorist attack threats and collecting information to assess public safety threats in anticipation of specific events.

Corey Schmidt covers local government for the St. Cloud Times. He can be reached at cschmidt@gannett.com.