Drone Integration and Zoning Act

House Votes

This bill sets clear rules for low-flying drones. It draws a line at 200 feet: the FAA manages most drone traffic from 200 to 400 feet, while states, local and Tribal governments have room to set rules below 200 feet. The FAA must formally update this definition and make the 200–400 foot band the federal zone for drone operations. It also protects property rights: federal approvals may not allow drones to fly within 200 feet directly over private property without the owner’s OK, and drones must keep safe distances from tall structures unless there’s permission, a public right‑of‑way, or an approved route.

Cities, counties, and Tribes keep control over where drone takeoff and landing spots go, but they must decide applications within 60 days, use fair, public fees, and not unfairly block operators; people can go to court quickly if a local decision conflicts with these rules. This part starts 180 days after the FAA finishes its airspace update. The bill also stops blanket bans that make it nearly impossible for drones to reach higher airspace. States may approve in‑state drone deliveries within the 200‑foot layer and inside state borders without a federal license, and the process should be simple and low‑cost.

• Who is affected
  • Drone businesses and pilots; cities, counties, and Tribal governments; property owners; and owners of tall structures like towers and high‑rises.
• What changes
  • Airspace lines: 200–400 feet is a federal drone zone; within 200 feet, states and localities can set rules, and federal approvals can’t allow flights directly over private property without owner permission.
  • Local siting: Local governments control drone pads but must decide in 60 days, avoid discrimination, and use fair, public fees; quick court review is available.
  • Reasonable local rules below 200 feet (for example, speed limits, limits near schools or parks, set hours, and bans on reckless or impaired flying) are allowed.
  • No total bans: A city or state can’t block drone ascent/descent or make reaching navigable airspace nearly impossible.
  • Delivery: States can green‑light intrastate drone delivery within the 200‑foot layer, without federal approval, with a streamlined, low‑cost process.
  • Routes and special areas: The FAA will set a process to approve “authorized commercial routes” above 200 feet, decide applications in 90 days, and consult with local leaders and structure owners; it can also let willing state or Tribal partners help manage certain “complex airspace” areas.
• When
  • FAA must issue its final airspace rule within 1 year; route and “complex airspace” designation processes must be set within 18 months; local siting decisions are due in 60 days, and route/area decisions in 90 days; local siting rules take effect 180 days after the FAA’s final rule.