Board approves ordinance to ban autonomous delivery devices on sidewalks, creates narrow R&D permit path

The San Francisco Board of Supervisors on Dec. 5 approved an ordinance that prohibits autonomous delivery devices from operating on sidewalks and public right-of-way while creating a tightly controlled permitting route for limited research-and-development (R&D) testing in parts of the city zoned for production, distribution and repair.

Supporters said the ordinance balances pedestrian safety with support for local innovation. Sponsor Supervisor Yee said the goal is to “keep our sidewalks for pedestrians” while allowing a small number of R&D permits so startups can test devices in low‑pedestrian corridors.

The ordinance follows months of committee work and multiple amendments negotiated with technology operators, neighborhood advocates and city departments. It bars full commercial sidewalk operations and provides a permit pathway for up to a small number of…