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Fort Worth outlines limited city authority over delivery drones; focuses on takeoff/landing permits and setback controls
Summary
Staff explained the extent of city authority over delivery drones: the Federal Aviation Administration controls airspace, while the city can regulate on-the-ground elements like drone nests, setbacks from sensitive uses and permit site plans for takeoff/landing locations.
City staff told the council that the city’s regulatory authority for delivery drones is primarily limited to ground-based siting and permitting of drone facilities, while the Federal Aviation Administration controls flight operations.
Roger Venables summarized the city’s review process for drone operators seeking a site permit: applicants must provide a site plan showing the drone “nest” (an outdoor building that stores and charges drones), fencing and generator or recharge infrastructure; staff review setbacks from sensitive land uses and may impose site-specific conditions to address noise, aesthetics and privacy. Venables said the city’s authority covers where nests take off and land, aesthetics and generator noise, but it cannot regulate national airspace or impose flight rules—the FAA retains that authority.
A councilmember asked what the city can do; Venables reiterated that siting, aesthetics, setbacks and noise from ground equipment are within local control, while flight is federally regulated. No council action or vote was recorded at the meeting.
