Proposed Policy Framework for Autonomous Vehicle Services Released

Published on September 02, 2026

The City of Culver City is developing proposed zoning regulations for Autonomous Vehicle Fleet Services, and we want to hear from the community.

What Are Autonomous Vehicle Fleet Services?

Autonomous Vehicle Fleet Services are operations that support fleets of three or more autonomous vehicles and may operate around the clock. Activities can include vehicle charging, light cleaning and maintenance, software servicing, storage, and administrative operations. Facilities with vehicle charging only are not addressed by the proposed regulations, because these are already regulated by State law and the Culver City Code.

The proposed zoning regulations would establish where these operations could be located in Culver City and create standards intended to limit potential impacts on nearby neighborhoods, businesses, public streets, and emergency services.

What Would the Proposed Zoning Regulations Address?

Under the proposed framework, Autonomous Vehicle Fleet Services would be allowed in certain mixed-use zones in the City, subject to operating standards. They would not be permitted in residential zones, within 100 feet of residential zones, in Downtown Culver City, or next to hospitals, fire stations, police stations, and other public safety facilities.

The proposed regulations would also:

• Keep vehicle queuing, staging, and idling from blocking streets, bus stops, accessible facilities, and emergency access.
• Clarify on-site requirements for vehicles to safely enter, exit, circulate, and park.
• Limit towing, loading, deliveries, repairs, vacuuming, and other potentially disruptive activities during nighttime and early-morning hours.
• Reduce light and noise impacts on surrounding properties through screening, landscaping, and other measures.
• Require at least one staff member to be on-site whenever a facility is operating.
• Require a publicly posted, 24-hour emergency contact who can respond to issues at the site.

The proposed regulations would also establish an administrative review process with a public notice requirement and appeal provision for operators seeking alternative ways to meet certain site design or operational requirements. Any alternative would need to provide an equivalent level of protection for public health and safety and ensure that emergency access is not affected.

Learn More and Share Your Feedback

The Autonomous Vehicle Fleet Services Proposed Policy Framework is still under consideration, and community input is an important part of the process.

This is the same policy framework being provided to industry representatives for review.

Visit the City’s webpage to learn more about the proposal and provide your feedback.

What’s Next?

The proposed Autonomous Vehicle Fleet Services zoning regulations are anticipated to be considered by the Culver City Council at a public hearing on Monday, September 14, 2026.

Community members are encouraged to provide feedback through the City’s website before 3 PM on September 14 so comments can be considered in advance of the public hearing.

The public is also encouraged to participate in the City Council meeting and speak directly to the City Council during the public hearing on this proposal.