Planning commission recommends approval of Walmart requests to add drone auto‑loaders; cases go to City Council Sept. 8

The North Richland Hills Planning & Zoning Commission on Aug. 21 recommended approval of two companion zoning amendments to allow small fenced auto‑loader enclosures for Wing drone operations at two Walmart properties. After a joint presentation from the applicant and staff, the commission voted to recommend approval of case ZC25‑0141 (Northeast Loop 820 site) 6–0 and ZC25‑0142 (North Parkway site) 7–0. Both items are scheduled for City Council consideration Sept. 8.

Staff said the applications amend previously approved special use permit and planned‑development standards to expand the approved service area to include small, roughly 20‑by‑25‑foot fenced enclosures near existing customer pickup/service areas. Ryan Bridal, representing Walmart, told the commission the company is "grateful for the partnership" and that the change improves efficiency and reduces vehicle trips. Wing’s Josh Bucci described the auto‑loader as a passive mechanism that the drone does not land on: packages are placed on a stand; the drone picks them up while remaining at elevation. Bucci said the devices require no independent generator and that Wing’s flights are limited to daylight hours (the company is not FAA‑authorized for night operations at these sites).

Staff clarified that the auto‑loader areas would be located near the stores’ online pickup doors and service access points and that the amendment is intended to align the approved operational area with what is already being implemented. The commission heard no public testimony on the two items during the hearing.

Votes: The motion to recommend approval of ZC25‑0141 passed 6–0; the motion to recommend approval of ZC25‑0142 passed 7–0. Both items will advance to City Council for final action on Sept. 8.

Next step: Both cases will appear on the City Council agenda on Sept. 8 for final decision.