Ask ROC-NH: Should ROCs have drone policies?
by Leo'el Jackson
on March 3, 2022
Remember when social media was a new thing, and ROC boards, along with every other organization everywhere, wondered whether to, how to, and when to use this new tool?
Years later, for better or worse, social media is an everyday part of many people’s lives. Many co-ops have Facebook pages, and there’s even a statewide ROC-NH™ Facebook group where residents share information.
Now drones are on the scene, and ROCs are again asking questions: Is the presence of drones harmful or hurtful? Should we, and even can we, allow their use in our communities?
The ROC-NH team has considered these questions, too, and here are some thoughts.
A drone is a small, unmanned aircraft that may or may not have a camera mounted to it. Some drone cameras can only take pictures. Others can send a live feed to their owner. Some of the smaller drones have a radius of a couple hundred feet; others can fly almost 10 miles.
Drones can be problematic. In the wrong hands they can be destructive and an invasion of privacy. Many of the higher-end drones can take pictures and record people, places, and things. Some drones—the DRL Racer X for example—can fly at a speed of almost 200 MPH! Anything moving that fast has the potential to severely hurt or even kill someone.
Drones can also damage property, bringing more potential strain to homeowners, especially those with limited incomes.
Fortunately, drones are regulated by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). It is up to the drone user to know all requirements—including speed and proximity regulations—before flying their aircraft. A drone owner who directs their device too close to a home or over a certain speed can be charged with multiple felonies. Depending on the drone’s size, it may have to be registered with the FAA.
Drones are also covered by state law. New Hampshire law so far is very limited, banning only the filming of someone who is lawfully hunting, trapping, or fishing without getting prior consent.
What ROCs should consider
So, what should ROCs do? Look at it this way: A drone is no more dangerous than a dog, a firearm, or even a car. The difference is that your community rules probably cover pet control, weapon use, and speed limits.
If your co-op wants to adopt a drone policy, the board of directors should consider the following:
A final note: Information in this post is not intended to be legal advice. Please consult with an attorney regarding local and federal laws regulating drones.
Please reach out to your ROC-NH technical assistance provider any time for more information about establishing policies in your ROC.
Leo'el Jackson is a ROC-NH Housing Cooperative Specialist.
Photo credit: Alexandr Podvalny from Pexels