Rowlett planning panel recommends rules for drone delivery hubs and kiosks with conditions

The Rowlett Planning and Zoning Commission voted 6-0 Tuesday to recommend a text amendment to Chapter 77-300 of the Rowlett Code of Ordinances that would add unmanned aircraft system (UAS) hubs and kiosks as new allowed uses, subject to new use-specific standards and conditions.

The amendment would create two categories: a larger UAS “hub” (a docking/charging/maintenance area) that requires a special use permit (SUP) and a smaller, lightweight “kiosk” intended for placement in parking areas. Commissioners added three specific conditions before forwarding the amendment to City Council: increase the minimum separation from residential zones to 200 feet (up from 50 feet in the draft), require compliance with the city’s existing noise ordinance, and prohibit kiosks or accessory hubs from being located forward of the primary structure’s main entrance.

The commission heard a presentation from a Zipline representative who described the company’s two-part architecture—larger hubs that host multiple docks and smaller kiosk units that resemble a tall mailbox—and said the company had opened pilot sites elsewhere in the region. “We have over 10 approved permits and more coming in, and we have about 5 sites under construction,” the Zipline representative said during the presentation. The speaker also told the commission the company carries UAS-specific insurance, uses multiple redundancy and a parachute system on aircraft, and deploys tethers designed to detach if forcibly pulled.

Commissioners asked about siting, noise and safety. Commissioners Pollard and Hernandez raised concerns about kiosks placed in front parking areas and the potential for vandalism or vehicle strikes; the applicant said kiosks are designed to be tamper- and vandal-resistant and that bollards or other protective measures could be used. The applicant also said typical daytime decibel readings range from roughly the mid-50s to mid-60s A-weighted (53–64 dB) depending on mode (docking versus delivery) and that operational range could be up to 10 miles though initial service areas are smaller (Mesquite operations began at about a 2-mile radius).

Staff clarified the draft: hubs would require an SUP in the districts where they are allowed so commissioners and council could condition individual hub permits, while kiosks were written as an administratively approved accessory use in locations that meet use-specific standards. Commissioners revised the draft language to make hubs subject to SUP review (as reflected in staff’s use chart) and to add the three conditions noted above.

Commissioner Hernandez moved to approve the ordinance with the modifications; Commissioner Pollard seconded. The motion passed 6-0. The commission’s recommendation will go to the Rowlett City Council for final action.

Evidence spans in the record include the staff introduction of the amendment, the applicant presentation and the final motions and vote noted on the meeting record.