add_keepout_zone · Kicad MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What add_keepout_zone does on Kicad

AI agents use add_keepout_zone to create or update resources in Kicad — usually the action step of a workflow, after the agent has gathered context. Every call changes real data in your Kicad environment.

WHY IT NEEDS A POLICY

Why add_keepout_zone needs a policy

The 'add_' verb combined with 'keepout_zone' (a reversible PCB constraint/design element) classifies this as Write rather than Destructive. A keepout zone defines areas where copper cannot be placed—reversible modifications to PCB design. Severity is high because improper placement of keepout zones could render a PCB design non-functional, affecting the entire board layout.

From the tool's definition Tool name is 'add_keepout_zone' with 'add_' prefix indicating creation/modification of PCB design elements. Sibling tools like 'add_copper_zone', 'add_pcb_line', 'add_label' all create or modify PCB/schematic elements.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

add_keepout_zone Rate-limited

add_keepout_zone stays usable, but capped — an agent stuck in a loop can't make hundreds of changes a minute. Everything else on the server is denied unless you say otherwise.

View as policy code

policy.json

{
  "version": "1",
  "default": "deny",
  "tools": {
    "add_keepout_zone": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "add_keepout_zone_rate",
          "window": "minute",
          "max": 30,
          "scope": "grant"
        }
      ]
    }
  }
}

LIMIT THIS TOOL →

Instant setup, no code required.

PolicyLayer is an MCP gateway: every tool call is checked against your rule before it reaches Kicad, so you can run agents against it safely.

FAQ

Questions about add_keepout_zone

What does the add_keepout_zone tool do? +

add_keepout_zone. It is categorised as a Write tool in the Kicad MCP Server, which means it can create or modify data. Consider rate limits to prevent runaway writes.

How do I enforce a policy on add_keepout_zone? +

Register the Kicad MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for add_keepout_zone: allow, deny, rate-limit, or require approval. Point your MCP client at the PolicyLayer proxy URL and the rule is enforced on every call, before it reaches Kicad. Nothing to install.

What risk level is add_keepout_zone? +

add_keepout_zone is a Write tool with medium risk. Write tools should be rate-limited to prevent accidental bulk modifications.

Can I rate-limit add_keepout_zone? +

Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the add_keepout_zone rule in your PolicyLayer policy. For example, setting max: 10 and window: 60 limits the tool to 10 calls per minute. Rate limits are tracked per agent session and reset automatically.

How do I block add_keepout_zone completely? +

Set action: deny in the PolicyLayer policy for add_keepout_zone. The AI agent will receive a policy violation error and cannot call the tool. You can also include a reason field to explain why the tool is blocked.

What MCP server provides add_keepout_zone? +

add_keepout_zone is provided by the Kicad MCP server (productofamerica/mcp-server-kicad). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.