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Commission recommends approval for Wing drone site standards at West Main Walmart
Summary
The Lewisville Planning and Zoning Commission voted 5-0 to recommend two alternative standards for Wing Aviation's drone operation at the Walmart on West Main Street, allowing outdoor landing/storage in front of the building and use of metal panel fencing instead of masonry.
The Lewisville City Planning and Zoning Commission on Feb. 18 recommended approval of two alternative standards to allow continued drone operations at the Walmart located at 801 West Main Street.
Staff said the request would permit outside storage and landing pads for Wing Aviation’s drone-delivery operation to be placed in front of the principal building and would allow use of a black galvanized metal panel fence in lieu of the city’s usual masonry wall or tubular steel fence. "The staff recommends that the Planning and Zoning Commission recommend approval for the alternative standards as listed," a planning staff member said.
Why it matters: Wing Aviation operates a drone “nest” at the site to provide last-mile deliveries for Walmart. The company and staff said the landing pads and docking stations are operationally distinct from ordinary outside storage because drones require unobstructed sightlines to land and take off; staff said a forthcoming city drone ordinance would formally exempt landing pads from outside-storage rules. "They only weigh about 12 pounds...we can carry just under 3 pounds right now," said Josh Bucci, a Wing Aviation representative, describing the drones and operation.
Details: Wing’s representative said the site has been operating for about a year and currently uses a simple fenced area in the Walmart parking lot, powered by a generator pending permanent power installation. The company also proposed cosmetic upgrades for a storage container to better match district visual standards. Bucci said Wing works closely with the Federal Aviation Administration on approvals and that most deliveries occur well within a 3-mile radius of the site.
Commission discussion and vote: Commissioners asked whether the temporary approvals would set a precedent; planning staff said similar alternative standards were previously granted at another Walmart and that the drafted ordinance is intended to apply equally to multiple drone operators. Commissioner Francesca moved to recommend approval; Commissioner Jack seconded. The motion carried, 5-0.
Next steps: The item will go to the City Council for final consideration in March 2025.
