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Drones for Inspections: A Higher Standard

Thursday, October 8
On Demand


Code Enforcement Officers face a range of challenges while conducting inspections; including safety hazards, inaccessible sites, and/or lengthy inspections. What can be done to alleviate some of these challenges? We have an answer for you!

This presentation will provide attendees with an overview of how the use of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), also known as drones, can improve the safety of code enforcement officers, provide access to sites that may be physically inaccessible, and assist in conducting inspections more efficiently. In addition, this presentation will provide a breakdown of all the components required to develop and initiate a drone program for any jurisdiction. Drones are a highly beneficial tool that can be integrated into all code enforcement operations. A live drone flight demonstration will be conducted as part of this session.

 

Edgar De La Torre, Zoning Enforcement Officer for the County of Los Angeles Department of Regional Planning

Mr. Edgar De La Torre has served as a Zoning Enforcement Officer for the County of Los Angeles Department of Regional Planning (DRP) since 2016. As a Zoning Enforcement Officer for DRP’s Land Use Regulation Division, Mr. De La Torre has been responsible for inspecting commercial and residential properties for zoning code violations and/or compliance with various land use entitlements. Mr. De La Torre is currently assigned to the Zoning Enforcement – Special Project Section, a section focused on regulating the division’s most complex projects. In addition, Mr. De La Torre is a member of the team leading the efforts in developing the departments drone program.

 

Alex Garcia, Supervisor for the Zoning Enforcement with the Los Angeles Department of Regional Planning

Mr. Alex Garcia has over 20 years of experience in the urban planning and code enforcement fields. He is currently a Supervisor for the Zoning Enforcement - Special Projects section with the Los Angeles County Department of Regional Planning, which is responsible for regulating and monitoring high-profile land uses.  He has led several planning and enforcements efforts, including: the development of the Nuisance Abatement Team, the Maternity Boarding Home Task Force, the Cannabis Abatement Team, and the Drone Program, which have benefited residents throughout the unincorporated LA County.  In addition, he co-founded the Spanish Planning Committee, which aims to make all enforcement and planning efforts culturally sensitive and inclusive.  

 

Ai-Viet Huynh, Zoning Enforcement Officer with the Los Angeles Department of Regional Planning

Ms. Ai-Viet Huynh has 10 years of experience in the urban planning field and has been a Zoning Enforcement Officer with the Los Angeles County Department of Regional Planning since 2013.  She specializes in zoning code enforcement for commercial and residential properties within urban areas of unincorporated LA County and ensures the compliance of various land use entitlements.  In addition, she has worked closely on various planning and enforcement efforts, including the Maternity Boarding House Task Force, Massage Establishment Task Force, and the Nuisance Abatement Team. She currently leads the outreach efforts for the department’s drone program.