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Mesquite approves Zipline drone delivery site with conditions; company highlights safety and delivery range
Summary
Council approved a conditional use permit for Zipline to place three charging towers and staging at 227 E. U.S. Highway 80 after staff outlined five stipulations; Zipline said deliveries would reach up to 10 miles and carry up to 8 pounds per flight.
The Mesquite City Council on Feb. 2 approved a conditional use permit for Zipline International to operate a drone delivery staging and charging site at 227 E. U.S. Highway 80 (the Quality Home Furniture parking area).
Adam Bailey, director of planning and development services, told the council the proposed fenced staging area would be roughly 5,400 square feet and contain three 28‑foot towers with charging pads. He outlined five Planning & Zoning stipulations including an 8‑foot ornamental fence, limits on staging area size, removal requirements for inoperative equipment and an automatic revocation provision after code convictions.
Stephanie Cook, Zipline's real estate and development lead, demonstrated the company's delivery device and emphasized safety redundancies and the company's operating concept. "We can deliver up to 10 miles," she said, and noted that Zipline currently limits package weight to about 8 pounds per flight.
Bailey said flight paths and hours are overseen by the FAA and that city stipulations focus on site layout, screening and public safety. After questions about noise, hours and service area, Councilmember Andrew Houbacek moved to approve the CUP and Councilmember Kenny Green seconded. The motion carried 5–1.
What passed: a conditional use permit for Zipline to operate a drone delivery charging and staging site at the specified address, subject to Planning & Zoning stipulations on site enclosure, size, access and revocation rules.
Next steps: Zipline and staff will coordinate permits, utility connections (power and fiber) and any required FAA coordination for expanded operational range.
