The Castle Rock Town Council Tuesday directed staff to draft a temporary moratorium on drone delivery services as the town considers how to regulate the emerging technology.

The action came after the town received a pre-application inquiry from Walmart for a delivery operation at its store at 133 Sam Walton Lane. The proposal would partner with Wing to deliver small retail items within about a five- to six-mile radius using autonomous drones launched from equipment on the store property.

Town officials said drone retail delivery is not currently addressed in Castle Rock’s zoning code or planned development regulations.

According to a staff memorandum, the Federal Aviation Administration has primary authority over drone operations. 

That leaves the town’s regulatory authority limited to land-use regulations including launch and landing areas, site design, screening, lighting and setbacks.

Staff told council that the town may have limited ability to address concerns related to flight activity once a drone delivery operation is approved and operating.

Councilmembers reviewed how other communities have addressed similar proposals. Staff cited examples in Texas, Georgia and North Carolina where drone delivery projects generated concerns about compatibility with nearby neighborhoods.

The town also looked at neighboring Parker, which recently imposed a temporary suspension on drone delivery uses while developing regulations.

Staff said Castle Rock could establish drone retail delivery facilities as a separate land use within its zoning code and create standards governing their approval and operation. 

Council directed staff to continue researching the issue and return in the coming months with a proposed ordinance establishing a moratorium and a framework for future regulation.

Staff recommended creating a local review process and development standards before accepting a formal application for a drone delivery facility.