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1. What will the UAS be used for?

The Pilot Program is for unpermitted cannabis only. This will include plants but may also include other violations such as unpermitted greenhouses, unpermitted grading, unpermitted electrical, etc. associated with the unpermitted cannabis cultivation.

2. What exact steps is the county doing to ensure no one’s privacy is invaded (neighbors, persons at site, etc.)?

• The program guidelines are specific in that only photos of the violation are taken. There will be no photos of persons. 
• The tool will only be operated vertically from a publicly accessible area or reporting party’s parcel when consent is provided.

3. Who will operate the UAS and what is their level of training?

• Cannabis Compliance Division field staff will operate the UAS.
• All UAS operators will obtain and maintain FAA licensing, which includes annual testing. Initial training is approximately 10-15 hours.

4. How will data be secured?

Data will be retained consistent with current record retention policies and procedures.

5. Why is a program of this nature important to Cannabis Compliance and Nevada County residents?

• Unpermitted cannabis cultivation negatively impacts the environment, public safety, wildfire preparedness, and the permitted growers working to build a new industry.
• This program will enhance enforcement efforts and the ability for staff to follow through with neighborhood complaints.
• Other tools such as helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft are not cost-effective and time-consuming.

6. Will the program include the use of helicopters/fixed wing aircraft in addition to the UAS?

No, the UAS program will not include helicopters/fixed-wing aircraft Staff will continue to utilize other aircraft types when collaborating with local and state agencies to address unpermitted cannabis cultivation.  However, this is unrelated to this pilot program.

7. What is the initial Pilot Program cost?

A one-time cost of $10,000 which includes the tool and initial staff training.

8. Where is the funding for this programming coming from?

This will be a general fund allocation and/or costs will be recovered through the issuance and payment of administrative fines associated to unpermitted cannabis enforcement activities.  

9. When does the program begin?

The program will be operational approximately April 2022.

10. Is a search warrant required to implement the use of a drone?

No, a search warrant is not required.

11. How are accidents related to the use of this tool handled?

If an accident or disabling of the tool occurs, the cannabis program manager is notified immediately, and an incident report is filed with the County Risk Management Department.  Additionally, as required by law, the FAA is notified within 10 days.