‘Personal Delivery Devices’ Could Soon Be Making Roboticized Deliveries on Pasadena Sidewalks

The Municipal Services Commission on Tuesday will consider a one-year pilot program to allow personal delivery devices (PDDs) to operate on city sidewalks and pedestrian paths.

The proposed pilot would allow up to 40 PDDs to operate within Pasadena city boundaries, primarily in restaurant-dense commercial districts. Devices would be prohibited on sidewalks along Colorado Blvd. between Pasadena Ave. and Arroyo Parkway due to width constraints and heavy pedestrian usage. Businesses in this area have rear access through alleyways for PDD circulation.

City staff is proposing the commission vote to recommend the City Council instruct the City Attorney to prepare an ordinance within 60 days amending the City’s Pasadena Municipal Code establishing a one-year pilot program for the use of the devices.

Under the proposed rules, PDDs would be limited to speeds of 5 mph and must operate within a two-mile radius of their merchant partner. Operators would be required to provide 24/7 customer support and report significant incidents to the city within 24 hours.

The Municipal Services Committee began initial discussions of the proposal in late August, following a presentation by the city’s Economic Development staff.

The matter returned in October.

David A. Klug, Pasadena’s Economic Development Director, recommended that the City Council approve the pilot program. He suggested amending Title 12 of the Pasadena Municipal Code to establish guidelines for PDD operations within 60 days.

The Transportation Advisory Commission reviewed the draft pilot program in June and indicated they supported the concept. The Transportation Advisory Commission also offered recommendations, including limiting the number of operators and devices, identifying parking locations to avoid conflicts with bicycle parking, and implementing an education and marketing campaign.

“The program will not replace the need for delivery drivers,” the Economic Development Division said in an Agenda Report, in response to job impact concerns.

In response to privacy concerns, the Division said PDD operators must comply with local, state, and federal laws regarding customer data privacy.

“Video footage will be encrypted, and only authorized personnel will have access for safety and operational purposes,” the report added.

The pilot program is seen as an opportunity to evaluate the effectiveness of PDDs in Pasadena. The Economic Development Division will oversee the program in collaboration with the Department of Transportation and Department of Public Works, the report said.

Operator selection will be on a first-come, first-served basis, with merchants choosing operators based on their needs. PDDs are prohibited from transporting waste, hazardous materials, weapons, alcohol, tobacco, cannabis, prescription drugs, and other items deemed inappropriate by the City.

The Agenda Report noted PDD pilots must be trained to understand traffic and pedestrian rules and norms in California and Pasadena. The City may modify the terms and conditions of the Pilot Program Requirements at any time and at its sole discretion.

Several local businesses have expressed interest in participating in the pilot. Coco Robotics, a Santa Monica-based delivery service, has reached out to the city about expanding operations to Pasadena. Outreach meetings were held with the South Lake Business Association in February, the Old Pasadena Management District in March, and the Playhouse Village Association in April.

City staff also consulted with Santa Monica, West Hollywood, and Los Angeles to gather insights on their PDD regulations. All three cities reported positive community benefits from their pilot programs, with Santa Monica transitioning to a permanent PDD program.

While there’s no cost for operator applications during the pilot, the city may consider introducing fees if the program becomes permanent, the Economic Development Division said.