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Committee adopts amendments to delivery-robot permit framework, schedules further hearings
Summary
Supervisors adopted amendments to a proposed ordinance that would permit limited testing of autonomous delivery devices under a DPW permit with reporting, device caps and speed limits; the committee also continued the item for a subsequent hearing after the city attorney flagged substantive changes.
SAN FRANCISCO — The Board of Supervisors’ Public Safety and Neighborhood Services Committee on Nov. 8 adopted a set of amendments to an ordinance that would create a permitting and enforcement framework for limited testing of autonomous delivery devices on sidewalks, but the committee continued the item for additional public review.
Sponsor Supervisor Yee said the legislation was not a ban on delivery devices but a regulatory framework to protect sidewalks and public safety while allowing research and development. "This legislation is an example of meaningful regulations of emerging technologies that ensure safety of our sidewalk, maintain our quality of life, uphold our values of protecting public space," Supervisor Yee said.
Key elements of the amendments presented include a permitting process through the Department of Public Works with a public hearing and appeal process, notice requirements for permit applications, and reporting requirements on incidents for permit renewals. Supervisor Yee said permit durations would be extended from the originally proposed 60 days to 160–180 days with extensions available for operators in good standing, allowing up to a year of testing if there are no incidents.
Amendments also set device limits: permits may allow up to three autonomous delivery devices per permit application, with Department of Public Works authority to limit total devices—Supervisor Yee said DPW could cap permitted devices at nine citywide for testing at any given time. The text would cap device speed on sidewalks with a proposed maximum of 3 miles per hour (an increase from 2 mph in the original draft) and require reporting on incidents as part of renewal reviews.
The hearing drew contrasting public testimony. Privacy and labor advocates warned of unchecked data collection, job displacement and safety risks. "Robots should only be used to do jobs that are hazardous to humans, not to create hazards for humans," said Laurie Leaderman, a longtime union advocate. Technology companies and local merchants urged limited, regulated pilot testing; Joan Kistart of Marble said the company seeks to be a "proactive" partner and offered to share safety data, while representatives from Starship Technologies and Postmates said they supported a local, controlled testing program.
Deputy City Attorney Andrew Shen advised the committee that the breadth of amendments is substantive and would require an additional committee hearing and public comment opportunity. The committee adopted the amendments by motion and continued the item to the call of the chair to allow DPW and the city attorney time to prepare revised language and to set any applicable administrative fee.
What’s next: The Department of Public Works will prepare detailed permit language and fee proposals for a follow‑up committee hearing. The item was continued to the call of the chair.
