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Highland Village council delays vote on ordinance to allow drone delivery hubs at Walmart
Summary
After hours of presentations and questions from residents and council members about noise, flight paths, lighting and a proposed auto-loader near homes, the Highland Village City Council unanimously voted to defer the first reading and asked staff to return with a revised ordinance and workshop.
The Highland Village City Council on Jan. 13 deferred a proposed zoning change that would allow commercial drone delivery hubs and staging areas, including a planned site at the Walmart on Justin Road. Council members said they needed clearer rules on where loading equipment would sit relative to homes, how many hubs could be allowed per property, and how to enforce hours and lighting if drones operate at night.
Josh Bucci of Wing, the drone operator, told the council the company has worked with the FAA and designed compact ground sites: “Our nest operations are quieter than a lawn mower when you’re standing a 100 feet away,” he said, describing a low-profile footprint and auto-loader system. Walmart representatives also urged cooperation: “On behalf of Walmart, we’re committed to working with y’all,” a Walmart representative said, offering to return with comparables and sound tests.
Council members focused on three controllable items: the proximity of the auto-loader and nest to residential property lines, fencing and materials, and whether administrative approval or conditional use permits should be required. City staff and the city attorney said they could add distance and accessory-use language to the draft; several council members asked for a workshop so staff can return with redrafts and technical clarifications. Mayor (presiding) made a motion to defer the item to a future meeting; council approved the deferral 7–0.
