Administrative Policy #10.15 - Small Unmanned Aerial Systems (sUAS)/Drone Procedure
Purpose
To establish a process that would allow departments to coordinate and share usage of a Small Unmanned Aerial System (sUAS), also known as a drone.
Scope
All City Departments that use or have a use for a sUAS.
Procedure
This procedure clarifies the process for interdepartmental coordination for using and sharing a sUAS. A sUAS is a drone that is flown by a pilot that is licensed in accordance with the Code of Federal Regulations, Part 107 under the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Departments have purchased their own drones and have trained staff that are certified pilots.
Some City Departments currently utilize a sUAS for various applications. Police uses drone technology to assist with a variety of law enforcement activities. Community Development uses this technology to aid with building code inspections. In both situations, each Department has adopted a unique and specific operating plan that outlines the uses and safety protocols for operating drones as part of their department operations.
It is recognized there may be instances other City Departments have a need to utilize a drone to support their department operations. The City also identifies ways to try and effectively share resources and services to ensure cost effective and efficient delivery of services to the Corvallis community.
Procedures
If a department does not currently have a sUAS program and has a need to utilize drone technology, they will contact the manager or supervisor of the department that has an adopted sUAS program. The requesting department must identify the specific need and the amount of time the sUAS and pilot will be needed to assist another department.
The manager or supervisor of the department that has an adopted sUAS program, must evaluate if the request would comply with their department’s adopted sUAS operating plan, as well as the potential staffing capacity to support the request. Departments’ sUAS operating plans and availability will likely differ, as drones are used in very different capacities, depending on the department’s mission and operating needs.
If the request aligns with the department’s adopted sUAS operating plan, the manager or supervisor may approve using the drone and certified staff pilot to assist the work of another department. If the request is not consistent with the department’s adopted sUAS operating plan, the request must be evaluated and approved by the Department Director, in consultation with Risk Management.
All requests must be evaluated to ensure they comply with FAA regulations and state law. Additionally, the time and use of the sUAS may result in needing to charge the department for the staff time and resources to assist the department with drone services. Any financial arrangement will be negotiated prior to the start of the inter-departmental drone project.
Due to the direct and indirect costs associated with acquisition, ownership, operations, licensing, and insurance, approval from the City Manager and Risk Manager is required before acquiring drones.
Definitions
Operating Plan: A plan that is adopted by a department that outlines the operating protocols and guidelines for an sUAS (drone) program.
Small Unmanned Aircraft System (sUAS) / Drone: An unmanned aircraft of any type (weighing less than 55 pounds) that is capable of sustaining directed flight, whether preprogrammed or remotely controlled, and the supporting or attached systems designed for gathering information through imaging, recording or any other means. For the purpose of this procedure, a sUAS includes a drone as defined in ORS 837.300.
Review/Update
The Community Development Director and Police Chief will prepare this Administrative Procedure for review every five years for City Manager approval.
Last reviewed: 11-2023
