Highland Village council pauses vote on drone-delivery zoning after resident, council concerns

Highland Village council members on Jan. 13 delayed action on a zoning ordinance that would allow drone-delivery hubs and staging areas, citing concerns about autoloader placement near homes, noise and lighting, and whether the city should allow hub approvals administratively or require conditional use permits. The council voted to defer the item to a future meeting so staff and the city attorney can revise the text and return to an early work session.

City staff introduced an ordinance to add definitions and development standards for "drone delivery hubs" and "drone staging areas" to the city's comprehensive zoning ordinance. The proposal would allow such facilities as accessory uses to permanent food or grocery stores, restaurants, retail stores or warehouse distribution facilities in retail zoning districts. The ordinance text in the agenda required a minimum distance between drone infrastructure and residential development and set operating hours to align with FAA guidance (staff briefed the council that the draft follows FAA-allowed hours).

Representatives from Walmart and Wing…