McKinney Planning Commission approves annexation and zoning for Walmart drone delivery

The McKinney Planning & Zoning Commission convened on March 25, 2025, to address several key agenda items, including annexation and zoning requests, with significant discussions surrounding a proposed drone delivery service.

The meeting commenced with a motion to close a public hearing regarding an annexation request, which was approved unanimously with a vote of 7-0. The annexation is crucial as it allows the property in question to be zoned appropriately. This matter will be forwarded to the City Council for final action on April 15, 2025.

Following this, the Commission moved to a public hearing concerning a request to rezone property located at 2041 Red Bud Boulevard from a Planned Development District (PD) to another PD designation. This request aims to permit detached accessory structures and modify existing development standards. The item had previously been discussed at the February 11 meeting but was brought back due to a lack of quorum during the City Council vote. Staff recommended approval, and the Commission proceeded to hear from the applicant, Ryan Trimble, who expressed gratitude for the opportunity to present again.

Trimble introduced representatives from Zipline, the company proposing the drone delivery service, who provided updates on their operations. Stephanie Cook from Zipline shared that they have successfully launched drone deliveries in Mesquite and are preparing to expand into McKinney. The service will initially operate within a two-mile radius, with plans to extend up to ten miles as demand grows. The drones are designed to operate in various weather conditions and deliver packages in a touchless manner, minimizing noise to levels comparable to car traffic.

The Commission engaged in a thorough discussion about the drone delivery system, including its operational details, sound levels, and community engagement efforts. The public hearing concluded without any registered speakers opposing the item.

Overall, the meeting highlighted the Commission's commitment to facilitating development while addressing community needs and technological advancements. The next steps include awaiting City Council decisions on the annexation and zoning requests, as well as further discussions on the drone delivery service's implementation in McKinney.