Northglenn drafts Colorado's first drone delivery hub regulations

The city of Northglenn, Colorado, is developing the state’s first ordinance specifically designed to regulate commercial drone delivery hubs. The Planning Commission has recommended a new land-use category for these facilities, with a final vote expected from the City Council in late October.

Because the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) maintains exclusive jurisdiction over airspace, flight paths, and altitudes, Northglenn’s proposed rules focus strictly on ground-based facilities. The ordinance aims to manage the physical launch and recovery pads, including requirements for noise limits (capped at 65 decibels), operating hours (7 a.m. to 10 p.m.), and mandatory buffers of at least 200 feet from homes, schools, and childcare centers.

City officials noted that while they can regulate local ground infrastructure, they cannot prevent drone deliveries from reaching residents if the drones are launched from hubs located in neighboring jurisdictions. The city is proactively drafting these standards following interest from companies such as Walmart and Alphabet’s drone unit, Wing.