Wasco Municipal Code Ch. 8.20 Model Rockets
Wasco Municipal Code · 2026-09 edition · updated 2026-10-03 · Wasco
Cite as: Wasco Municipal Code Chapter 8.20 · Text as of 2026-10-03
Sections: 8.20.010 Purpose. 8.20.020 Defined. 8.20.030 Firing or launching--Permission required. 8.20.040 Launching site--Approval--Standards.
8.20.010 Purpose.¶
These regulations are for the purpose of establishing reasonable standards for the testing and flying of devices referred to in this chapter as "model rockets." (Ord. 178 §1, 1973).
8.20.020 Defined.¶
"Model rockets," as referred to in this chapter, are nonprofessional rockets which are propelled by approved, commercially manufactured solid-propellant engines, as approved and authorized by the Health and Safety Code of the state, and used, operated and possessed pursuant to the regulations existing under and by virtue of the laws, rules and regulations of the state. (Ord. 178 §2, 1973).
8.20.030 Firing or launching--Permission required.¶
The fire chief, who has responsibility for the prevention and suppression of fires, is authorized to give either written or verbal permission for the firing, launching and testing of model rockets. (Ord. 178 §3, 1973).
8.20.040 Launching site--Approval--Standards.¶
The fire chief shall approve the rocket launching site and the conditions under which same may be used. The fire chief shall be guided by the following standards in approving the site to be used:
A. The launching site should consist of a firing area and a recovery area. The firing area should be considered that area surrounding the launching devices contained within a radius of ten feet outward from the location of such launching devices. The recovery area should include the firing area, and shall be determined to be a minimum area necessary to retrieve the launched rocket, based upon the estimated height achieved by the model rocket having a total weight as fired with a specific type of engine.
B. The launching site should not be located in any grain field, dry grass, brush or forest-covered lands.
C. The launching site should not include any buildings or structures, unless approved by the fire chief.
D. The launching site shall not contain or be located near any high-voltage lines, major highways, or any other obstacles deemed hazardous by the fire chief.
E. The firing area shall not be located closer than twenty-five feet to the boundary of the launching site.
F. The fire chief shall require a map of the site area. (Ord. 178 §4, 1973).
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