North Myrtle Beach Planning Commission reviews Amazon drone launchpad proposal

The North Myrtle Beach Planning Commission held a public input meeting to discuss Amazon's proposal for a drone launchpad at its warehouse off Watertower Road.

Commission Chairman Silvio Cutuli said the city needs more information to regulate drone operations because it lacks existing ordinances, while an Amazon representative presented a slideshow showing drones that are 5½ feet tall, can fly up to 400 feet, carry packages up to 5 pounds, and produce about 68 decibels of noise, comparable to a household dishwasher; the service would be opt‑in and the launchpad is considered a minor amendment for the commission to approve.