From roanoke to texas: protect our privacy
Roanoke said no to a proposed drone hub. But drones operating from other communities can still fly over our homes. Now we’re asking Texas lawmakers to protect residents’ privacy when commercial drones collect information about people who never requested a service.
Read the proposal and add your support.
protect our privacy!
protect our privacy!
What WAS proposed?
ORDINANCE 2026-144
Creates a new “Drone Charging Location” land-use category allowing “package delivery and other airborne services” in Roanoke.
Would approve a Specific Use Permit for a Zipline International drone charging facility across Hwy 377 from the Roanoke Walmart.
ORDINANCE 2026-145
WHY WE ASKed COUNCIL TO VOTE NO
01 — THE LAND-USE LANGUAGE IS TOO BROAD
Ordinance 2026-144 would allow “package delivery and other airborne services” without defining what those other services include or what limits would apply.
02 — ZIPLINE’S 48-DOCK PLAN EXCEEDS THE SCALE REVIEWED BY THE FAA
Zipline’s Roanoke concept plan depicts 48 dock positions. The FAA’s DFW environmental review describes a maximum of 20 docks per site. Why does Zipline’s proposal show more than twice the maximum evaluated by the FAA?
03 — OPERATING LIMITS ARE UNCLEAR
The SUP process can restrict changes to an approved use. But what changes would require a new SUP—more docks, more aircraft, increased delivery volume, or new technology that increases capacity?
04 — THIS IS BIGGER THAN ONE FACILITY
The proposed charging facility could support deliveries for businesses throughout the area. Zipline’s system allows participating businesses to use separate pickup stations, meaning drone traffic would not be limited to the charging facility.
05 — THE FINANCIAL BENEFIT TO ROANOKE HAS NOT BEEN QUANTIFIED
City leaders have cited potential tax and economic benefits, but Zipline has not provided Council with Roanoke-specific figures to quantify those claims.
06 — PUBLIC-SAFETY QUESTIONS REMAIN
After meeting with Zipline, Roanoke’s Fire Chief identified items requiring documentation, including FAA site-capacity verification, battery-fire risks, emergency procedures, and drone conflicts with emergency aircraft.
Roanoke City Council voted against both proposed ordinances. The proposed drone charging facility was not approved. If your community is considering a drone hub and you have questions about our experience, please contact us.
WHAT HAPPENED IN ROANOKE?
WHAT HAPPENS NOW?
Now we’re asking Texas lawmakers to protect residents’ privacy.
Commercial drones can collect information about people who never requested a delivery. Our Texas Commercial Drone Data Privacy Act proposal calls for clear rules on how that information is collected, kept, used, and shared. Read the proposal and add your support.
