Cedar Park City Council is considering regulating the operation of drones over special events within the city.

In May, the Texas Legislature passed House Bill 1643, which limits the authority of municipalities to regulate the operation of unmanned aircraft systems, or drones. City Prosecutor Lauren Marfin said the Legislature left an exception for cities to regulate the use of drones over special events that usually draw a large crowd within the city.

Council members heard the first reading and public hearing of the proposed ordinance Thursday evening that would make it unlawful for a person to operate a drone from or over the location of a special event held within the city limits or in the city's extraterritorial jurisdiction.

If approved, any person violating the ordinance would be charged with a class C misdemeanor, which carries a fine of up to $500. The ordinance would be applicable both in the city limits and within 5,000 feet of the ETJ.

The proposed ordinance includes an exception for the operation of drones by police officers for law enforcement purposes. Several council members also expressed interest in amending the ordinance to include a permit process that would allow for operating drones over a special event with a permit.

The ordinance will be considered for a second reading and public hearing at a future City Council meeting.