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Anna adopts rules for ground-based drone delivery hubs and kiosks
Summary
Council adopted an amendment to Article 9.04 of the zoning ordinance establishing definitions, permitted locations and review criteria for ground-based drone delivery infrastructure; staff emphasized the ordinance covers on-the-ground equipment only because airspace and flight operations are governed by state and federal authorities.
The council approved zoning regulations to address on-the-ground drone delivery infrastructure such as pickup kiosks and hubs.
Development Services Director Caleb Kintner opened the item and clarified the scope: "This is infrastructure that is on the ground. There are state preemptions and FAA federal regulations that preempt us from regulating above the ground when it comes to drones," he said. The ordinance defines different facility types, sets setbacks and permit paths (administrative approval versus specific-use permits), and allows staff flexibility to consider parking reductions in limited circumstances.
Planning and zoning commissioners worked on the draft since March and recommended approval. Council members asked where kiosks would be allowed, whether restaurant and pharmacy operators could participate, and if operating hours could be limited through specific-use permits. Staff said operators currently self-limit hours and that time-of-operation conditions can be placed on specific-use permits when warranted. The council approved the ordinance unanimously.
