On Sunday October 18th, the Kenton Neighborhood Association participated in an Amazon Drone Livability Neighborhood Discussion. It was attended by approximately 45 neighbors and our District 2 Councilors Sameer Kanal and Elana Pirtle-Guiney. The meeting began with a presentation that addressed the future impacts of the proposal for a drone delivery facility located 1001 N. Schmeer Road and the regulatory conditions surrounding it.
Community Impacts
The following summarizes concerns and information shared by organizers and community members at the meeting. It reflects what was presented there, not independent findings by the KNA.
Sound
The Prime Air MK30 is an unmanned commercial aircraft system. Presenters shared that the aircraft emits noise at 85-95 dBA when hovering at 25 feet and fly lower when dropping packages. To get a sense of what this sounds like, watch this video. Amazon has said the aircraft never exceeds 68 decibels, though that figure uses a different measurement and distance than the FAA’s.
Presenters shared that hubs like this are designed for 1,000+ flights per day and would operate during daylight hours and for about 30 minutes before and after dark. In June, that means 5:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. In Richardson, Texas, residents logged as many as 52 flights over a single home in one day. . These unmanned aircraft have a radius of 7.5 miles.
Privacy & Safety
Residents at the meeting raised aviation safety questions, particularly near airports. With as many as 50 flights over a residence per day, there are also residential safety concerns such as free-fall drops, rotor downwash, and property damage. Presenters shared that homeowners in communities impacted by Amazon drone deliveries are finding that their insurance may not cover damages, that cities may not have jurisdiction, and Amazon customer service is difficult to navigate for reporting issues.
To navigate around residences, the drones rely on onboard optical, infrared, and computer-vision sensors. These sensors are designed to learn about their surroundings, including private spaces. Presenters shared that this means they continuously scan landing zones, backyards, and homes, which they described as an invasion of privacy. Many neighbors expressed concern about their privacy rights.
Safety concerns also include wildlife and agriculture. East Columbia is one of Portland’s last remaining agricultural pockets, home to working farms and livestock. The Columbia Slough and Smith & Bybee Wetlands are critical wildlife corridors. The Oregon Bird Alliance is tracking risks to migratory and nesting birds from low flying drones.
Economics
Presenters and neighbors are concerned that drone delivery will replace living-wage jobs, hurt local businesses, and lower property values. Neighbors also noted that profits from replacing employees and increasing delivery speed do not stay in Portland and that any added value goes to Amazon.Where is the economic benefit to our historically overburdened communities?
Current Status
Since there are no regulations specific to this new delivery technology, our District 2 Councilors Sameer Kanal and Elana Pirtle-Guiney introduced Resolution 37754 to the Portland City Council. This resolution notifies the Oregon Department of Land Conservation and Development, as ORS 197.520 requires that the city is considering adoption of a moratorium on construction or land development for unmanned commercial aircraft systems. Resolution 37754 passed unanimously on October 14, 2026. This does not institute a moratorium. It allows the City Council to formally pursue holding a final vote on a moratorium within 45 days of introducing the idea, as required by State law.
Current code and zoning regulations are key to understanding future regulations. Soon there will be ordinance hearings for Title 18 Noise Code and Title 33 Planning & Zoning. We understand that Title 18 will be on the agenda for the next Noise Board Meeting on November 18, 2026, 6-8pm. There is a link to attend the meeting online.
Actions You Can Take Right Now
Get involved and ready for ordinance hearings of Title 18 (Noise Code) and Title 33 (Planning & Zoning) changes and updates. Sign up for email notifications for Noise Review Updates.
Spread the word that important legislation is approaching. Talk to your neighbors, share on social media, and help inform your community.
Raise your voice and contact city officials:
Mayor, Keith Wilson – Mayor@portlandoregon.gov
City Administrator, Raymond C. Lee III – cityadministrator@portlandoregon.gov
City Councilors, District 2:
Councilor Sameer Kanal – Councilor.kanal@portlandoregon.gov
Councilor Elana Pirtle-Guiney – Councilor.pirtle-guiney@portlandoregon.gov
Councilor Dan Ryan – Councilor.Ryan@portlandoregon.gov
More suggestions about direct actions you can take will be shared as we learn more about the City Council’s next steps.