# Drone Integration and Zoning Act - Plain Language Summary

## What This Bill Does

This bill aims to clarify who has authority over drone operations at different altitudes and to protect property owners' rights regarding drones flying over their land. Currently, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) controls all airspace, but this bill proposes to carve out the airspace closest to the ground (within 200 feet) as belonging to states, local governments, and tribes. The bill also requires the FAA to create new rules defining how the airspace between 200-400 feet should be used, with the FAA maintaining control over anything above 400 feet.

## Who Is Affected

- **Property owners and homeowners**: Would gain more control over drones operating in the lowest airspace above their land
- **States, local governments, and tribal nations**: Would gain authority to create zoning rules for where commercial drones can take off and land
- **Commercial drone operators**: Would need to comply with local zoning rules in addition to federal regulations
- **The FAA**: Would need to conduct new rulemaking to update airspace definitions within one year

## Key Provisions

- **200-foot zone**: Airspace within 200 feet of the ground is excluded from federal "navigable airspace" and returned to state/local/tribal control
- **200-400 foot zone**: The FAA must establish rules for this middle zone covering both commercial and recreational drone use
- **Local zoning authority**: States and localities can create zoning rules for drone takeoff and landing sites
- **Property rights protection**: The bill emphasizes that landowners have rights to control the airspace immediately above their property, based on a 1946 Supreme Court decision