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Officials describe Zipline drone deliveries for prescriptions; council raises noise and privacy concerns
Summary
Council heard from staff about an incoming Zipline drone-delivery operation based in nearby Beechwood to carry prescriptions and small items; officials discussed FAA preemption, noise, visibility, and privacy sensors and agreed to give the public advance notice.
Council members heard a presentation about a commercial drone-delivery operator called Zipline that plans to operate from a Beechwood docking station and deliver medications and small items to addresses in the area.
A city official described the system as a large, automated drone that will operate roughly 300 feet above ground and lower a canister on a tether to the delivery site; Beechwood has already agreed to host a docking/charging facility. Council members and staff raised concerns about noise, visibility in neighborhoods and potential sensors or cameras used for navigation. One staff member noted that while the Federal Aviation Administration governs airspace and flight rules, local law enforcement typically handles on-the-ground enforcement issues such as noise complaints.
Council members asked city staff to provide public notice to residents before operations begin. Staff and the chief said they will evaluate privacy and nuisance concerns if they arise and watch demonstration results from other jurisdictions before deciding on any local regulatory steps.
Quote: "It's about 300 feet above, and drops a zip line with a large canister on it," Chief Sewell said when describing the delivery system.
