Autonomous Vehicle Fleet Services Proposed Policy Framework

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Policy Framework Introduction

The intent of this policy framework is to establish a new land use classification with standards and approval procedures for autonomous vehicle fleet services that typically include vehicle charging in conjunction with light cleaning and maintenance activities on a 24-hour basis. This new classification is not intended to include facilities with electric vehicle charging only.

New Use Definition

  • Autonomous Vehicle (AV) Fleet Services – Passenger transportation services, local delivery services, and other businesses that rely on fleets of three or more autonomous vehicles (AVs), as defined by California Vehicle Code Section 38750. This addresses the following activities for AVs, including, but not limited to, material storage, light cleaning, software servicing, light vehicle maintenance/servicing, and offices. It does not include charging only facilities; however, facilities with electrical charging are not exempt from this classification solely because electric vehicle charging occurs on site.
  • Additional vehicle services including, but not limited to Accessories Installation, Car Washes (not including hand washing and handheld vacuuming), Maintenance/Repair, Impounding/Storage, Paint/Body Work, are not included in this classification, and shall be subject to the permit requirements in Culver City Municipal Code (CCMC) Section 17.220.015.

Permitted Locations

Permitted

  • In Mixed Use Zones (MU-1, MU-2, MU-I, MU-MD, and MU-HD) subject to codified Performance Standards.
  • Performance Standards may be modified through an Administrative Use Permit (AUP) pursuant to CCMC Section 17.530.

 

Not Permitted

  • In Residential Zones (R1, R2, RLD, RMD, RHD), or within 100 feet of Residential Zones.
  • In the Mixed Use – Neighborhood (MU-N) or the Mixed Use – Downtown (MU-DT) Zones.
  • On parcels abutting or adjacent to hospitals, fire stations, police and highway patrol stations, or other public safety uses.

 

Performance Standards

Site Access & Circulation

  • A minimum 11-foot clear travel lane width shall be maintained at all times in public rights-of-way adjacent to the site to ensure that emergency or essential services, including access to designated bus stops and ADA accessible facilities, are not obstructed by vehicle queuing, staging or idling in the public right-of-way.
  • Adequate clearance, circulation, and maneuvering of vehicles, including emergency vehicles when on-site access is required, shall be designed in compliance with California Fire Code § 503.
  • Towing, loading, and delivery of AV fleet vehicles shall not take place between the hours of 8pm and 8am on weekdays, 7pm to 9 am on Saturdays, and 7 pm to 10 am on Sundays, unless required for emergency purposes.

 

Parking Design & Layout

  • All AV Fleet Service parking facilities shall comply with the requirements of CCMC Section 17.320.035 (Parking Design and Layout Guidelines), and Section 17.320.040 (Driveway and Site Access Standards), unless exempted by State law or for Health and Safety reasons.
  • Alternative parking design and layout standards may be approved through an AUP process.

 

Lighting & Noise Attenuation

  • Pursuant to CCMC Section 17.300.040 (Outdoor lighting), all exterior light sources shall be shielded and/or recessed to ensure that direct glare and reflections are confined to the maximum extent feasible within the boundaries of the site and shall be directed downward and away from adjoining properties and public rights-of-way.
  • AV Fleet Service sites shall be screened to block lighting and attenuate noise generated by on-site AVs and ancillary uses with the following.
    • A six-foot tall wrought iron fence around the perimeter of the site, combined with a landscaped planting strip between the fence and parking area with a minimum width of two feet (inside dimension).
    • Plant materials shall be selected to provide a minimum height of 36 inches at time of planting to block lighting and support noise attenuation.
    • Alternative materials that achieve an equivalent level of light and noise attenuation may be approved by the Director.
  • Pursuant to the Culver City General Plan Noise Element and CCMC Chapter 9.07: Noise Regulation, all operations shall comply with all applicable City noise regulations and shall be operated in a manner that minimizes noise impacts on surrounding properties.
  • Noise generating activities such as vacuuming (without silencers), vehicle repairs, tire changes and inflation, loud talking and/or music are not permitted between the hours of 8 PM and 8 AM on weekdays, 7 PM to 9 AM on Saturdays, and 7 PM to 10 AM on Sundays.

 

Operational & Site Maintenance Standards

  • All outdoor/open storage of materials shall be limited to a maximum area of 150 square feet and shall be enclosed by a six-foot-high, solid decorative masonry wall, subject to the approval of the Director.
  • A refuse storage area, completely enclosed with a masonry wall not less than five-feet-high, with a solid gated opening, and large enough to accommodate standard-sized commercial trash bins, shall be located to be accessible to refuse collection vehicles.
  • On-site utilities such as transformers must comply with the location and screening requirements of CCMC Section 17.300.035.

 

On-Site Personnel & Emergency Contact

  • A minimum of one on-site staff person is required during all hours of operation.
  • A 24-hour emergency operator contact phone number with authority to address on-site emergencies shall be posted on site within public view.

 

Administrative Use Permit (AUP)

  • In accordance with the provisions of CCMC Chapter 17.530, an Administrative Use Permit may be sought for alternative sound and light screening methods, alternative parking design and circulation standards, and alternative emergency contact procedures, subject to conditions of approval.
  • Required Findings:
    • Modified or alternative performance standards must provide an equivalent level of protection against health and safety impacts and must not create conflicts with emergency access routes for hospitals, fire stations, police and highway patrol stations, or other public safety uses.
    • Additionally, findings must be made for Administrative Use Permits as listed under CCMC Section 17.530.020 - Findings and Decisions.
  • AUP Decision letters are posted on the City website and subject to appeal to the Planning Commission within 15 days.

 

Related Information

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