A. All aircraft of whatever type or description while being operated above the city, in an effort to provide a reasonable opportunity for a safe landing in any emergency situation and in an effort to minimize any nuisance to the public from engine noise or from any resultant vibration, shall maintain an altitude which is greater than 1,000 feet.

B. Except as otherwise provided by this chapter, this section shall not apply to aircraft engaged in emergency search-and-rescue operations, law enforcement operations, emergency transportation of patients to and from local medical facilities, aircraft engaged in interstate commerce, and aircraft involved in actual emergency situations; provided, that aircraft operators engaged in these activities shall notify the Bellingham police department and fire department of such activities and coordinate same through the What-Comm dispatch center. [Ord. 9391, 1984; Ord. 8573 § 14(A), 1977].