Letter from CPNA President Re: Drone Impact on Crowley Park
Hi Neighbors,
I understand why many of you are concerned. Our neighborhood is a quiet, family‑friendly community here in Richardson, made up of approximately 1,054 homes. Crowley Park has always been a beautiful and peaceful place to live — so when drones begin buzzing overhead, whether they’re commercial delivery drones or hobbyist devices, it can disrupt the atmosphere and raise real questions about privacy and safety.
Before we go deeper, I’d like to ask: Are the drones you’re seeing mostly the larger delivery models, or do they appear to be smaller hobbyist drones being flown by individuals in the park? This helps us determine which rules and agencies apply.
Over the past several months, drone activity has become a major topic in Richardson, especially with the expansion of drone delivery services.
Last month, we held a special Board meeting where City Manager Don Magner provided an update in front of a packed room and answered questions from residents.
Below is the current landscape of drone activity and regulations affecting Crowley Park as of May 2026.
Amazon Prime Air: What’s Driving Most of the Activity
Much of the recent drone presence is tied to Amazon’s delivery hub (STX8). Residents have raised concerns about noise, flight paths, and privacy. Here’s what has changed:
- Flight Altitudes: After community feedback and a March 2026 City Council meeting, Amazon increased its minimum outbound altitude to an average of 225 feet to reduce noise.
- Operating Hours: Delivery drones are restricted to 7:00 AM – 8:00 PM under city zoning rules.
- Privacy & Safety: Following a February 2026 crash caused by signal interference, Amazon discontinued deliveries to multi‑family units (apartments/condos) to reduce risk.
If the Drones Are Not Amazon: Hobbyist Rules
If the drones you’re seeing are smaller, they may be flown by hobbyists. Under 2026 FAA and Texas regulations, hobbyists must follow:
- Registration & Remote ID: Drones over 0.55 lbs must be registered and must broadcast a Remote ID (a digital license plate).
- Altitude Limit: Maximum altitude is 400 feet.
- Line of Sight: Pilots must keep the drone visible at all times.
- Privacy: In Texas, it is generally illegal to capture images of people on private property without consent if it violates a reasonable expectation of privacy.
What You Can Do
If drone activity feels intrusive, unsafe, or disruptive, here are your options:
-
Amazon‑Specific Concerns: Email AmazonDroneFeedback@amazon.com. The City of Richardson monitors these complaints as part of ongoing council oversight.
- Privacy or Safety Issues: If a drone is hovering low over your yard or behaving dangerously, contact Richardson Police (Non‑Emergency). While the FAA controls airspace, RPD can address harassment, stalking, or privacy violations.
- Media Awareness: If you feel strongly about the issue, you can contact your preferred local TV station. Many outlets are actively covering drone‑related stories in North Texas.
A CPNA member has been designated to convey concerns to the City and we will be forthcoming with more information on how you can help. Thank you for continuing to look out for our neighborhood and for one another.
Crowley Park remains one of the best communities in Richardson because we stay informed, stay engaged, and speak up when something affects our quality of life.
Horace Satisfield
Crowley Park Neighborhood Association
cpna75082@gmail.com
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