Redmond affirms interim moratorium on commercial drone ports; staff to develop permanent rules

The Redmond City Council on July 21 affirmed an interim control that prohibits drone port land uses in the city for 12 months while staff develops permanent regulations. Glenn Coyle, senior planner, outlined a three-track work plan that pairs land-use rulemaking with business-licensing development and the creation of an Office of Airspace Management led by the police department. Coyle said the timeline is intended to culminate with final land-use regulations adopted by council in April next year.

Public commenters offered a mix of concerns and proposals. Adam Reinke, a homeowner and software engineer, urged the city to avoid siting concentrated drone facilities on small local streets and instead favor locations near major highways to minimize truck traffic. He also argued that if Redmond delays regulation entirely, ports could be sited just outside city limits where the city would have less control. Katie Kendall, counsel for Zipline, asked the city to consider temporary pilot permits and collaborative monitoring so regulators can gather real-world operational data before permanent rules are adopted. Council members said the ordinance is intended to create time for deep stakeholder engagement; the council adopted the ordinance by voice vote, 7-0.