Laguna Niguel Regulates Model-Aircraft Flights

Beginning in March, the skies over a tiny neighborhood park in Laguna Niguel will be regulated by the city. A law regulating remote-controlled model aircraft was adopted last week after the planes caused problems for a resident near Lilly Shapell Park.

Stephen Valbuena, who lives in the Hillcrest Estates, a gated neighborhood a few yards from an area used as the model fliers’ airfield, grew so tired of planes crashing in his yard that he took Laguna Niguel to court seeking a ban on the miniature aircraft.

The city drew up an ordinance that the City Council approved unanimously last week.

The law requires hobbyists to get permits before flying their craft at the park. Permits will be issued only after pilots pass flight and rules tests. A committee of experienced model aircraft pilots will administer the tests and make recommendations to the city recreation director.

The new regulations also limit the model aircraft to an area away from homes and allow only five aircraft to fly at a time. Violators can lose their permits.

Valbuena’s suit is pending. A preliminary injunction was denied this summer, but a trial date for a preliminary injunction has been set for June.