Richardson City Planning Commission recommended approval for an update to the Amazon Distribution Center’s planned development to allow drone operations during its March 18 meeting. City Council will have to approve the request at a future meeting.
The specifics
If approved, a drone delivery hub built adjacent to the current distribution center. The launch area will be fenced in and two modular buildings will be added to the facility for battery charging, maintenance and storage, according to city documents.
Richardson Assistant Director of Development Services Andrew Bogda said the drones can carry a maximum of five pounds and have a delivery radius of seven and a half miles.
More details
Richardson City Council recently updated zoning regulations in the Innovation Quarter to allow applicants to seek a special permit for drone operations. However, because the Amazon facility is not located within the IQ, an update to the planned development is required.
Sam Bailey, senior manager for economic development and public policy for Amazon, said the company chose the Richardson distribution center for a drone operations center because it is a high-performing, same-day delivery facility. Additionally, Bailey said customers who do not want drone delivery can opt out of the service.
“We view this as a local collaboration with the community,” Bailey said.
What else?
Amazon was one of three companies that had representatives at the meeting with interest in opening a drone-related facility in Richardson. The other companies were Wing and Zipline.
Wing has partnered with Walmart to offer drone delivery services in Frisco and Garland and Zipline is working with Walmart in McKinney to offer the service there.
Zipline recently filed paperwork with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation to open a drone operations facility in Richardson, and will seek approval in April.
Next steps
The commission 3-2 to recommend approval to council, with Commissioners Michael Keller and Sebrena Bohnsack voting against the request.
If council approves the request, the Federal Aviation Administration will conduct an environmental assessment to look at infrastructure needed, noise and other aspects. In addition, the community and city staff will have a chance to provide input with the FAA.
