Walmart Neighborhood Market Seeks Variance for Drone Delivery System in Rogers
ROGERS, Ark. — Walmart is looking to bring drone delivery to its Neighborhood Market in Pinnacle Hills, but the project will require city approval for a variance to exceed fence height restrictions.
The Proposal
According to documents submitted to the City of Rogers Planning Department, Walmart intends to add a drone delivery system at its store located at 5000 W. Pauline Whitaker Parkway. The system, operated in partnership with Wing, a drone company, would feature two fenced enclosures in the parking lot:
The Nest – a charging and storage area for drones.
The Autoloader – a loading and launching area where associates prepare drones for deliveriesVAR_WNM Supplemental Docs.
To secure these areas, Walmart is requesting permission to install 8-foot fences. Current zoning rules in the T5.2 district cap fence height at 4 feet.
The Variance Request
Wing requires 8-foot fencing for safety and security. In its variance request, the engineering firm representing Walmart, CEI Engineering Associates, argued that a shorter fence would not adequately protect employees or equipment. Associates would also use a nearby door on the west side of the store for access, which the company said improves safety by reducing travel distance and crossing pointsVAR_WNM Supplemental Docs.
The Hardship Cited
The request cites several constraints:
Wing’s operational standards require an 8-foot fence and level, hard-surface enclosures.
A 4-foot fence would not provide sufficient security against tampering or unauthorized entry.
Employee access and safety considerations tied to the site’s existing layoutVAR_WNM Supplemental Docs.
Site Details
The project would not reduce customer parking below city requirements. CEI confirmed that the site maintains compliance with Rogers’ parking ratios even after adding the drone enclosures and nearby EV charging stations. A concept plan shows the placement of the Nest and Autoloader within the lotVAR_WNM Supplemental Docs.
What’s Next
The Rogers Planning Department will review the variance request before forwarding it to the appropriate city board or council for consideration. If approved, the Pinnacle Hills Neighborhood Market could be among the first in the region to host a fully integrated Walmart drone delivery system.
