Can the City regulate drone usage?

No. Under federal law, authority over U.S. airspace belongs exclusively to the federal government. The FAA is the only agency authorized to regulate aircraft operations, flight paths, and airspace restrictions. Because of this federal authority, the City of Auburn Hills cannot regulate drone flight paths, limit drone operations, or establish local airspace rules. Any company providing commercial drone delivery service must first receive authorization from the FAA before beginning operations. Although the City does not have regulatory authority over drone operations, City officials will continue to communicate resident concerns to both Amazon and the FAA and advocate for responsible operations within our community.

How high and fast do delivery drones fly?

The FAA generally limits commercial drones to a maximum altitude of 400 feet above ground level to help maintain separation from manned aircraft. According to Amazon, its delivery drones typically operate within the following flight ranges: Delivery Transit 205 - 250 feet above ground level Traveling to a customer's delivery location Delivery Site 100 feet down to approximately 12-13 feet Hovering and lowering to safely release a package Return Transit 325 - 370 feet above ground level Returning to the delivery facility Speed: Amazon’s delivery drones can travel at speeds of up to approximately 67 miles per hour. Capacity: Drones can deliver packages weighing up to 5 pounds, including thousands of commonly ordered household items.

Do drones record videos or take photos?

According to Amazon, cameras installed on delivery drones are used for navigation, obstacle detection, and safety purposes. Amazon states that the system is not designed to conduct surveillance or monitor private property.

Is drone delivery safe?

From the beginning of this program, City officials have raised residents' questions regarding safety, privacy, noise, and neighborhood impacts with both Amazon and the FAA. Before Amazon was permitted to begin commercial deliveries, the FAA conducted extensive reviews of the aircraft, software systems, operational procedures, personnel training, and safety protocols used by the Prime Air program. FAA representatives have advised City officials that Amazon must continue to meet federal safety requirements and remains subject to ongoing FAA oversight. Based on discussions with FAA officials, the City has been assured that Amazon is currently operating in accordance with its federal approvals and applicable regulations.

How do I report drone concerns or complaints?

Residents are encouraged to report concerns directly to Amazon or the FAA so the organizations responsible for overseeing these operations can review them. FAA representatives have advised the City that direct communication from residents to Amazon is often the most effective way to ensure community concerns are considered. Amazon has indicated that it welcomes feedback from residents and uses that information to evaluate opportunities to improve its operations and minimize impacts on neighboring communities. Contact Amazon Phone: 1-888-280-4331 Online Chat: Open an Amazon customer service chat, select “Something Else,” and then choose “Amazon Drone Delivery” to be connected with the appropriate support team. Contact the FAA Residents may submit concerns regarding aircraft operations, including drone activity, through the FAA’s Aircraft Noise and Community Involvement Reporting (ANCIR) system. Website: faa.gov/ancir Important Note The City of Auburn Hills does not have legal authority to regulate drone operations or investigate complaints involving commercial drone flights. Oversight of these operations rests with the FAA and Amazon, the company operating the drone delivery service. However, City officials will continue to listen to resident concerns, share community feedback with Amazon and the FAA, and advocate for operations that are safe, responsible, and respectful of Auburn Hills neighborhoods.

What to Know About Amazon Drone Delivery in Auburn Hills

Since Amazon launched its Prime Air drone delivery service from nearby Pontiac, residents may notice more drones flying over parts of Auburn Hills. As this new activity has begun, the City has received questions and concerns from residents about drone operations, including noise, privacy, safety, and flight frequency.

City officials understand these concerns and have been actively communicating with both Amazon and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to better understand the program and share resident feedback. While federal law does not allow local governments to regulate drone operations, the City remains committed to advocating for residents and ensuring their concerns are heard by the agencies and companies responsible for these flights.

To better understand the program, City leadership has met with representatives from both the FAA and Amazon. During these discussions, City officials raised resident concerns and requested information about safety, privacy protections, flight operations, and complaint procedures. The FAA has assured City officials that Amazon’s drone delivery program is operating in accordance with federal regulations and the terms of its FAA approvals.

Amazon has also informed the City that it wants to operate its drone delivery program in a manner that is safe and minimizes impacts on surrounding communities. The company welcomes feedback from residents and has established customer service channels to answer questions and address concerns.

Amazon provides additional information about the Prime Air program, including safety procedures, privacy protections, noise information, and operational updates through the website links shown below.

What is Prime Air?

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Prime Air

Operations & Safety

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Prime Air

Service & FAQs

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Drone Delivery FAQ

The following guide explains the City’s role, how commercial drone deliveries work, what residents can expect, and how to report concerns directly to Amazon or the FAA.