Commission approves unmanned aircraft system hub SUP with 12-month conditions after public concern

The Rowlett Planning and Zoning Commission on May 27 voted 7-0 to recommend approval of a special-use permit for an unmanned aircraft system (UAS) hub on a 2.85-acre parcel east of Kenwood Drive and north of Lakeview Parkway, provided the applicant meets a set of conditions within 12 months of full operation.

Planning staff presented the request for an SUP for a UAS hub to be located on a 2.85-acre tract (a portion of Lot 6 R A, Block A, Luke’s Landing). Staff said the hub structure itself would occupy roughly 10,000 square feet and be sited near the southern property line, approximately 500 feet from the nearest existing residence at present. The applicant asked for two waivers: allow gravel paving rather than required concrete and waive the landscaping requirements for the primary use; staff noted the site otherwise met use-specific regulations.

Applicant Stephanie Cook described the UAS hub model and operations, saying the hub will host dock towers where aircraft charge and launch, an RPIC (remote pilot‑in‑command) station for initial launches, generators and a container to house network equipment. Cook said aircraft climb to about 300 feet during flights, lower a package on a winch for pick-up or delivery at partner kiosks, and return to the hub to recharge. She said the company complies with the Texas Data Privacy and Safety Act and uses standard techniques such as face‑blurring and strict access controls to protect data and privacy.

A number of commissioners and members of the public raised concerns about visibility, neighborhood impacts and aesthetics—one nearby resident asked the commission to deny the SUP because of concerns over an 8-foot fence, gravel surfacing and industrial appearance near homes. The applicant said the request for temporary gravel and a temporary container was to allow operational adjustments during an initial launch phase and offered to reduce the temporary period to 12 months; the applicant also agreed to add landscaping and convert gravel to concrete and upgrade fencing and the container to a permanent structure after that period.

Commissioner Pollard moved to recommend approval with conditions: within 12 months of issuance of the certificate of occupancy the applicant must (1) install landscaping as required by the city code, (2) replace the gravel with concrete per city regulations, (3) replace the temporary fencing with permanent black wrought-iron fencing, and (4) replace the temporary container with a permanent structure approved by the city. Commissioner Wilson seconded. The motion passed 7-0.

The commission’s recommendation now proceeds to City Council for final action; the council will review the staff report, the applicant’s commitments and any engineering details before taking final action.