San Jose · City Council ·
Rules for delivery robots on sidewalks and in bike lanes Item 5.1
Biking and walkingStreet safetySeniors and disability
An ordinance adding Chapter 11.91 to the Municipal Code to regulate personal delivery devices (delivery robots) in the public right-of-way, along with new fees and fines. The agenda sets a $200-per-device annual permit fee for sidewalk robots and a $250-per-device fee for a pilot permit for robots that use roadways and bike lanes. Three operators, Coco, Serve and DoorDash, approached the city this spring. Coco and Serve already run sidewalk robots in San Jose. DoorDash, whose robot uses bikeways, travels up to 20 mph and stands five feet tall, was waiting on this action. Staff said no state or local law currently regulates these devices, so without the ordinance the city has no authority over them. The proposed rules include a 5 mph limit on sidewalks and in crosswalks, lights that stay on, identification shown in braille and raised letters, removal of a disabled robot within thirty minutes, and fines of $100, $200 and $500 for first, second and third offenses. The Transportation Director could change the rules or suspend operations.
- A speaker moved approval of the staff recommendation. Result: passed.