Katy residents may soon see drones flying above them or even in their backyards.
What’s happening?
At a Nov. 9 meeting, Katy City Council voted to modify the zoning of the West Ten Business Park planned development district to allow Zipline, an international drone delivery company, to construct a station for the takeoff, landing, docking and charging of delivery drones.
Located behind the shopping center at 27240 Katy Freeway, the slightly under 3-acre proposed site will have six towers that can carry up to six drones each, Zipline Development Manager Jason Drews said.
Kerry McCormack, government affairs manager at Zipline, said the Federal Aviation Administration-regulated drones have several features including the ability to:
Carry up to eight pounds
Fly at an altitude of 300-400 feet
Get up to a speed of 70 miles per hour
Serve a 3-mile service radius
Other Zipline charging stations cost around $400,000-$600,000, but this one will be more expensive given it is larger than its other sites, Drews said.
How it works
To take advantage of its delivery service, McCormack said residents will download the company’s app and place an order with a Zipline business partner. A drone will then pick it up, fly it to the customer, lower a pod to them with the order inside and fly back to the tower to recharge.
McCormack said Zipline has a team that works with local businesses to get their products delivered to residents.
Zooming in
Zipline drones can decrease traffic and vehicle emissions as well as make streets safer, McCormack said.
“I would say this is as safe, if not safer than delivered by a car,” Katy Chief of Police Bryon Woytek said.
Drews also said Zipline does not deliver tobacco products, alcohol or pharmaceuticals. Additionally, the company does not deliver to or fly over schools or sports fields for safety reasons.
Next steps
After its rezoning request was approved, McCormack said Zipline will be applying for a building permit with the city.
The permit process can take 4-8 weeks and construction can last 8-10 weeks, Drews said.
