Planning and Zoning Commission calls public hearing on small drone 'zipping points'

The Planning and Zoning Commission, meeting at 6:32 p.m., voted unanimously to call a public hearing on whether to regulate small accessory drone pickup devices known as "zipping points." Staff said the devices, promoted by Zipline, would allow more businesses to use drones for pickups and deliveries and have already been installed at a few locations outside the city.

Commissioner Martin and other members pressed staff for clarity on where such devices could be located and how they should be treated under local zoning. "Do we need to have regulations for these types of devices?" a staff member asked the commission, listing placement, screening, and parking reductions as possible issues to consider. The staff presentation said company representatives told the city that the smaller pickup units typically "require no electrical permits nor structural anchoring" and pointed to an installation at a Chipotle in Rowlett as an example.

Director Caleb Kepner told commissioners that while the Federal Aviation Administration governs aircraft operations, "we definitely can control the locations where they go within our community" and that staff would prepare several alternatives for commission review. Commissioners asked whether the units should be hidden behind the front of buildings, whether they should require a site-plan update or replatting, and whether multiple units at a single business would be allowed. One commissioner warned that widespread adoption could lead to multiple devices and an "air traffic control problem," asking, "How do they keep from running into each other?"

Members raised concerns about parking and impervious cover if grassy areas are converted to concrete or pavers for device pads. "If they're gonna take a grassy area and all of a sudden turn it into concrete or pavers... that's gonna affect the drainage and engineering," a commissioner said, urging staff to consider site-plan requirements that would document such changes. Commissioners also asked staff to check with code enforcement about any resident complaints related to noise from an existing Walmart installation; staff agreed to follow up and report back.

After discussion, the chair moved and the commission voted unanimously to schedule a public hearing so the city can gather public input and review regulatory options. Staff was directed to draft screening and placement alternatives and bring benchmarking examples from other cities for the hearing.

Next steps: staff will prepare proposed options (including screening, location limits, and whether site-plan updates or replats are required), check for any noise complaints with code enforcement, and present materials at the scheduled public hearing.