Public Hearing and Ordinance - Zoning Application No. ZTA2026-02

Staff Report & Agenda Item Details

A public hearing was held regarding Zoning Text Amendment No. 2026-02. Adam Bailey, Director of Planning and Development Services, stated that staff proposes a comprehensive amendment to the Mesquite Zoning Ordinance to modernize and expand the City's existing drone delivery regulations. Since adoption of the City's original drone delivery regulations in 2024, drone delivery technology and operational practices have continued to evolve, creating the need for additional development standards and greater regulatory clarity. The proposed amendments establish development standards for autonomous package loading devices, update standards governing drone staging areas and accessory drone delivery operations, clarify permitted uses, and revise related definitions to reflect these advancements. Mr. Bailey stated that the amendment package consists of one exhibit. Exhibit A revises Section 3.513 (Drone Delivery) by establishing development and operational standards for drone staging areas and autonomous package loading devices, including permitting, site design, location, setbacks, screening, utility connections, building permit requirements, administrative adjustments, abandonment, and other use-specific standards. The exhibit also updates related definitions in Section 6.102 to ensure consistency throughout the Mesquite Zoning Ordinance. Mr. Bailey stated that collectively, the proposed amendments provide a clear, predictable, and technology-neutral regulatory framework that accommodates continued innovation in drone delivery while protecting public safety, preserving pedestrian accessibility and emergency access, and ensuring compatibility with surrounding development. Caris Martinez, 4536 Astor, expressed concerns regarding stabilization of the drone staging area. No others appeared regarding the proposed Zoning Text Amendment No. 2026-02. Mr. Hubacek moved to approve Zoning Text Amendment No. 2026-02, as recommended by the Planning and Zoning Commission, and modifying Prohibited Fencing as follows: Chain link fencing, including vinyl-coated chain link, is prohibited in all circumstances regardless of the location where the screening is placed on the property, and to approve Ordinance No. 5262, AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF MESQUITE, TEXAS, REVISING THE MESQUITE CITY CODE BY MAKING A MESQUITE ZONING ORDINANCE TEXT AMENDMENT, ZTA NO. 2026-02, THEREBY REVISING APPENDIX C – ZONING ORDINANCE, BY MAKING ADDITIONS AND DELETIONS TO CERTAIN SECTIONS IN PART 3 (NONRESIDENTIAL DISTRICTS); AND PART 6 (DEFINITIONS) FOR THE PURPOSE OF ADDING AND/OR REVISING REGULATIONS AND USE-SPECIFIC DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS RELATED TO DRONE DELIVERY, INCLUDING AUTONOMOUS PACKAGE LOADING DEVICES (“APLDs”), AND DRONE STAGING AREAS, AND INCLUDES RELATED DEFINITIONS; AND OTHER GENERAL UPDATES RELATED THERETO; PROVIDING CONFLICTS RESOLUTION, SAVINGS, AND SEVERABILITY CLAUSES; PROVIDING A PENALTY CLAUSE WITH A FINE NOT TO EXCEED $2,000; PROVIDING FOR PUBLICATION OF THE CAPTION HEREOF; AND DECLARING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Motion was seconded by Mr. Murden and approved unanimously. (Ordinance No. 5262 recorded in Ordinance Book No. 137.)

This motion is scored as EXPANDS_GOVERNMENT (Impact Weight: 6.7/10). Under the Bastiat Liberty Watchdog Index, measures that increase tax rates or fee schedules, issue new debt or Certificates of Obligation, expand regulatory/zoning restrictions on private land use, or authorize unbudgeted spending expansions reduce an official's Freedom Score when voted YES (and reward dissenting NO votes).