A personal delivery device (PDD) is an automated or remotely piloted device that contains storage space for packages, food, and other delivery items. PDDs are an emerging technology that are utilized by companies like Amazon to transport items from a dispensary container to nearby delivery destinations. A container, or dispensary, will typically hold 10 to 20 PDDs, or scouts, that deploy once or twice a day. Each scout makes a delivery, typically within a 1 mile range of the dispensary, and then returns to the dispensary. A van or small truck stocks the dispensary PDDs once or twice a day.

In April 2019, the Washington State Legislature passed legislation to regulate the use of PDDs. The bill created RCW 46.75.010 that establishes basic requirements for PDDs and allows local agencies to provide additional regulation within their jurisdictions. The State requirements treat a PDD as a pedestrian and provides requirements for the operator of a PDD to register with the State.

Ordinance 6855 that would amend City code to include requirements for PDDs and their operators. These requirements would address security, safety, risk, and operational considerations that are not specifically addressed by the RCW or by current City code.

This ordinance was presented and discussed at the March 14, 2022 City Council study session. Subsequent to the study session, the City received a request from Amazon for a meeting with staff to discuss questions and concerns Amazon had regarding the proposed code. City and Amazon staff met on March 16, 2022 and minor revisions to the proposed code were made to address the concerns communicated from Amazon in the meeting as follows: 1) The language that requires personal delivery devices to be capable of allowing the operator to receive instruction and direction from police officers was clarified. 2) The requirement that operators inform property owners and residents on delivery routes was expanded to include delivery areas (rather than specific routes) and to allow the information to be provided via outreach events rather than solely by written notifications. 3) The $100 limit on the value of contents the personal delivery devices may carry was removed. Amazon explained that the personal delivery devices may be carrying multiple packages and that it would be overly restrictive and burdensome for Amazon to track and limit the contents in each personal delivery device. If theft from personal delivery devices becomes a public safety issue, City staff may re-visit this requirement.