Belvedere approves Marin’s first commercial drone delivery rules
The Belvedere City Council has advanced Marin County’s first ordinance written specifically for commercial drone deliveries, approving it 3-2 after adding protections for public property and privacy.
Councilmembers Jane Cooper and Pat Carapiet voted against the ordinance Sept. 14 after arguing that its proposed delivery hours — beginning at 7 a.m. and extending as late as 11 p.m. — could disturb residents. Mayor Sally Wilkinson, Vice Mayor Kevin Burke and Councilmember Peter Mark supported the measure.
The ordinance is expected to return for a second reading Oct. 12. If adopted, it would take effect 30 days later.
The measure would regulate ground-level activity associated with commercial deliveries, including where drones may land, take off and leave packages. It would not regulate drones while they are in flight because airspace, flight paths, aircraft equipment and pilot requirements fall under the Federal Aviation Administration’s authority.
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