Planning board recommends rules for commercial drone takeoff and landing areas

The Mooresville Planning Board voted to recommend the town adopt a Unified Development Ordinance text amendment (TA2026-04) that would define and regulate commercial drone takeoff and landing areas as a special-use permit in community-commercial, mixed-use, hybrid light industrial and industrial districts.

Planning staff explained the proposal would require applicants to submit a site plan showing takeoff/landing zones, an operational plan (hours of operation and frequency), a noise-impact statement, safety and emergency procedures, and documentation of Federal Aviation Administration compliance. Staff said setbacks would include a minimum of 30 feet from any residential zoning district, 50 feet from occupied structures not associated with the use, and 25 feet from property lines; operations would generally be limited to 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., unless otherwise approved with the special-use permit. Staff also proposed Type B landscape buffers with the choice of a 30-foot buffer without a wall or a 20-foot buffer with a masonry wall.

During discussion board members asked whether the town's noise ordinance would apply and whether institutional or public-safety drone uses would be exempt. Staff said the noise ordinance was updated recently and would continue to apply, and that institutional/public-safety operations would be exempted under the draft language.

Mister Cole moved to recommend approval of TA2026-04, saying the amendment "is consistent with the town's 1 Mooresville plan by supporting innovation and adapting to changing commercial and service delivery needs" and that it "establishes a clear and consistent process for commercial drone takeoff and landing area[s] while addressing potential impacts to surrounding properties." The motion was seconded and carried; the Planning Board will forward the recommendation to the Town Board for final action.