Sec. 19-63. - Unlawful operation of small unmanned aircraft and/or small unmanned…

(a)

It is unlawful for a person to operate a small unmanned aircraft or small unmanned aircraft system in a manner that impedes, obstructs and/or interferes with firefighting, emergency, search and rescue, law enforcement, detention, or other government operations related to a public safety event.

(b)

Any violation of this article is declared a public nuisance.

(c)

Violations of this section may be prosecuted as a misdemeanor, a public nuisance, or as an administrative citation for fines and penalties pursuant Chapter 1, Sections 1.-7 through 1.-7.6 of the Sonoma County Code of Ordinances.

(d)

Any administrative citation issued for a violation of this section shall be administered pursuant to the county of Sonoma's administrative citation program in Chapter 1, Section 1.-7.6 of the Sonoma County Code of Ordinances.

(e)

This section shall not supersede or limit the remedies provided elsewhere in local, state or federal laws or regulations, including other administrative citation remedies or criminal prosecution. Issuance of an administrative citation may be exercised in place of, but shall not be deemed a waiver of, the use of any other available enforcement remedy. Enforcement remedies under this section are nonexclusive. The use of the remedies under this section is at the sole discretion of the county. However, the Sonoma County District Attorney shall have sole discretion to determine whether a violation will be prosecuted criminally.

(Ord. No. 6350, § I, 8-17-2021)