Aeronautics: meteorological towers: markings.

Existing law, the State Aeronautics Act, governs aeronautics in this state. The act, until January 1, 2018, requires a meteorological tower, as defined, to be marked as prescribed if the tower is located on prime agricultural land, as defined, or is within one mile of prime agricultural land, and erected after January 1, 2013. This bill would instead apply these marking requirements to a meteorological tower that is located outside the boundaries of an incorporated city, on prime agricultural land, or within one mile of prime agricultural land, and would also require a meteorological tower to be marked with a flashing light, as prescribed. For a meteorological tower erected before January 1, 2013, this bill would require the tower to comply with these marking requirements by January 1, 2015, or when the tower is lowered and then raised for maintenance or other purposes, whichever is sooner. For a meteorological tower erected between January 1, 2013, and December 31, 2013, that is located on prime agricultural land or within one mile of prime agricultural land, this bill would require the tower to be marked according to existing requirements and would require the tower to also be marked with a flashing light by January 1, 2015, or when the tower is lowered and then raised for maintenance or other purposes, whichever is sooner. This bill would expand the marking requirements for meteorological towers erected between January 1, 2013, and December 13, 2013, to encompass towers located outside the boundaries of an incorporated city. Because any violation of the State Aeronautics Act is a crime and the provisions of the bill would be within the act, this bill would impose a state-mandated local program by creating a new crime. The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement. This bill would provide that no reimbursement is required by this act for a specified reason.