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Council approves autoloader additions for Walmart drone deliveries at two NRH sites
Summary
The council approved zoning and special use revisions to allow small autoloader stands at two Walmart locations so drones can pick up packages without landing; staff and applicants said the devices occupy about one parking space and the drones carry roughly three pounds.
The North Richland Hills City Council on Sept. 8 approved two ordinances that amend existing approvals for drone service operations at Walmart stores on Northeast Loop 820 and North Tarrant Parkway to allow the addition of small 'autoloader' stands in the parking lot.
Applicants told council the autoloaders are passive stands where an associate hangs a package and the drone picks it up in flight, reducing the need for drone landings and improving associate safety. Walmart representative Ryan Trimble and Wing's Josh Bucci described the autoloader as a low‑power stand designed to fit within a single parking space; Bucci said current drone payloads are roughly three pounds and the autoloader improves pickup efficiency.
Planning staff explained the requested changes expand the drone‑service area on the properties and that the Planning & Zoning Commission had unanimously recommended approval. Council voted 7–0 to adopt the two ordinances approving the revised special use permit and planned‑development amendment.
What’s next: staff will finalize revised site plans and conditions of approval; applicants said two autoloaders are proposed at each site and will be located near customer pickup areas for safety and convenience.
