Mobility Subcommittee Meeting 2026-05-12
Staff Report 26-832 Attachment
Robotic Delivery Operation Regulation Options
Requirements for Operations in the City
Unless Council Members request changes, these requirements will be implemented. • Business License
o City could choose to implement a special license.
• Operating Permit
o Special permit created will include the regulations approved by City Council. • Standard Insurance Coverage $3M/$6M, naming City as additional insured and requiring indemnification and defense of the City for any claims and liability arising as a result of their operation in the City.
o City could establish higher/lower levels of insurance across the board or for individual companies, if approved by Risk Management.
• Compliance with City prohibitions on commercial transportation of items such as weapons, flammables, and other hazardous materials.
• Compliance with City prohibitions and regulations of polystyrene, plastics containers and bags, and other regulated materials.
• ID readers for compliance with minimum age requirements, if/when applicable. (Although neither company currently delivers alcohol, tobacco, or cannabis, such regulated products may be delivered in future.)
Staff Recommended Regulations
Staff recommends the following regulations, largely to address safety and right -of-way concerns.
• Devices required to be highly visible (i.e. lighting, flags, color). • Devices required to be ADA compliant.
• Companies required to quickly attend to malfunctions or other issues that arise. o Time frame may be established.
• Devices to be stored out of traveled sidewalks and walkways, so as to not infringe upon ADA accessibility or inhibit use of sidewalks by pedestrians. o Some sidewalks and walkways may be restricted due to space constraints. • Limitation on device size, weight, and speed.
• Specific information be displayed on devices.
o Operator contact information.
o City website/QR code to report violations and complaints • Prohibition against devices being stored in the public right of way overnight. • Protection of customer data and privacy.
o Recordings held for a limited time and only for liability and not shared or sold.
• Option for businesses to opt-in and out of using these devices. • Requirement for operators to have plans and procedures for operations during emergencies approved by Police and Fire.
• Requirement for operators to regularly geofence specific areas (prohibit device entry) during events or filming.
• Penalties established for non -compliance of all established regulations and parameters for and when a permit would be revoked.
Other Regulations for Consideration
• Citywide access
o City could limit the geographic boundaries and/or prohibit the devices from operating in specified areas. Staff, however, does not recommend such limitations at this time.
• Unit limitations to minimize interference with other uses of the sidewalks. o Limitation could apply universally and/or apply to each operator individually. (e.g. 50 units citywide, 25 units per operator)
o Limitation could apply to specific neighborhoods. (e.g. restriction on number of units operating in Downtown, Fox Hills, Arts District, Hayden Tract) o Limitation on the number of devices waiting in any one location. o Regulation of number and locations of device deliveries and pickups. o Prohibited on roaming when not in service.
• Advertising
o Requirement to adhere to all City advertising regulations ▪ Advertisements could be further restricted.
o Staff does not recommend prohibiting advertising altogether, as such revenue offsets operator costs in competition with less sustainable delivery options.
o City could establish revenue sharing for advertising.