REPORT TO COUNCIL
SUBJECT
Title
Consider Hosting a 2024 Fourth of July Drone Show and Approval of Budget Modification No. 20
Report
BACKGROUND
In 2012, a group of Swedish researchers from public university ETH Zurich developed a system in which drones could be programmed to arrange and fly in certain formations. Operators can arrange illuminated and synchronized groups of drones into different aerial formations for drone light shows. Computer programs control the drones, rearranging them into specific graphics identified by operators.
Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), commonly known as drones, are aircraft without a human pilot onboard that are controlled by an operator on the ground and are operated without the possibility of direct human intervention from within or on the aircraft. Drones can be operated for various reasons including for commercial purposes, recreational use, or in support of public agency services.
In 2023, numerous cities replaced Fourth of July fireworks shows with drone light shows. Southern California communities such as Grand Park and Pacific Palisades in Los Angeles County and La Jolla and Ocean Beach in San Diego County, as well as northern California agencies such as Port of Redwood City in San Mateo County and Brentwood and Dublin in Alameda County, have all moved from fireworks to drone light shows in recent years. As technology advances, experts predict that drone light shows will become more popular and accessible. Experts expect the drone light show market size to reach $2.2 billion by 2031.
Council requested that staff research the feasibility and cost analysis of hosting a Fourth of July drone show for Sunnyvale residents. The purpose of this report is for Council to review associated costs, determine feasibility and interest, and allocate required funding to host a Fourth of July drone show in Sunnyvale in 2024.
EXISTING POLICY
No local regulations pertaining to drones exist in the City of Sunnyvale, and the operation of...
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