Culver City Municipal Code Ch. 11.10 Taxicabs

Section

General Provisions

Operating Requirements

GENERAL PROVISIONS

Whenever in this Chapter the following terms are used, they shall have the following meaning unless it is apparent from the context thereof that some other meaning is intended:

DECAL. The official decal or seal issued by the City Treasurer for each taxicab authorized by the City Council.

DRIVER. Every person in charge of or operating any passenger-carrying or motor-propelled vehicle, either as agent, employee, or otherwise of the owner, as owner, or under the direction of the owner.

INDEPENDENT TAXI ASSOCIATION. Any partnership or corporation comprised of independent taxicab owners who operate as a single entity for purposes of shared liability with a single management group or board of directors.

OWNER. The registered owner, lessor or lessee of any passenger-carrying automobile or motor-propelled vehicle, operated as a taxicab.

PERMIT TO CONDUCT A TAXICAB BUSINESS. The permit to conduct a taxicab business issued by the City Treasurer.

TAXICAB. Every automobile or motor-propelled vehicle other than motor buses, ambulances, and vehicles operated by funeral directors used for the transportation of passengers over the streets of the City, irrespective of whether such operation extends beyond the boundary limits of the City, at rates per mile, per trip, per hour, per day, per week, per month, per annum, or for a tip or gratuity or any other form of compensation.

TAXI DRIVER PERMIT. The permit issued by the Chief of Police to each driver of a taxicab.

TAXIMETER. Any mechanical or electronic instrument, appliance, device, or machine by which the charge for hire of a taxicab is mechanically or electronically calculated, either for distance traveled or time consumed, or both, and upon which instrument, appliance, device, or machine such charge is indicated by figures.

STAND or TAXI STAND. A place designated by the City Manager of the City for the use of any taxicab while awaiting employment.

('65 Code, § 34-1) (Ord. No. 83-020 § 1; Ord. No. 92-017 § 2; Ord. No. 2006-009 § 22 (part))

A. Taxi business permit. It shall be unlawful for any person, entity, corporation or taxi association to operate or cause to be operated a taxi business without a taxi business operating permit as provided in this Chapter.

B. Taxi driver permit.

1. Violation. It shall be unlawful for any person driving a taxi vehicle either as owner, agent, employee or otherwise to pick up a passenger without possessing a valid taxi driver's permit as provided in this Chapter. A taxi driver permit is nontransferrable and is valid only as long as the driver works for a taxi business currently approved and permitted by the City as provided in this Chapter.

2. Invalidity of permit. A taxi driver's permit valid at the time it was issued shall become invalid if the taxi company or association for which the taxi driver works, whether as an owner, agent, employee or otherwise:

a. Fails to renew its permit;

b. Is denied renewal by the City;

c. Has its permit revoked; and/or

d. Changes ownership by sale, transfer, bankruptcy or any other method.

C. Taxi vehicle inspected and approved. It shall be unlawful for any person to operate or cause to be operated a taxi vehicle, whether as an owner, agent, employee or otherwise, which has not been inspected and approved by the Culver City Police Department.

D. City decal required.

1. Violation. It shall be unlawful for any person or taxi association to operate or cause to be operated any taxi vehicle without a valid, official City decal displayed on the vehicle as provided in this Chapter.

2. Invalidity of decal. A City decal, even if valid when issued, becomes invalid if the taxi company or association to which the deal was issued:

a. Fails to renew its permit;

b. Is denied renewal by the City;

c. Has its permit revoked; and/or

d. Changes ownership by sale, transfer, bankruptcy or any other method.

E. Penalty. A violation of this section shall constitute a misdemeanor, subject to a penalty of two hundred fifty dollars ($250.00) for the first violation, five hundred dollars ($500.00) for the second violation within a twelve (12) month period, and seven hundred fifty dollars ($750.00) for the third or subsequent violation within a twelve (12) month period.

('65 Code, § 34-2) (Ord. No. 83-020 § 1; Ord. No. 92-017 § 2; Ord. No. 99-004, § 1)

A. Application for a permit to conduct a taxicab business shall be made on forms furnished by the City Treasurer. The form shall be signed and verified by the owner, and shall contain the following information:

1. Name and business address of applicant;

2. Residence address of applicant;

3. Names and addresses of all directors and officers, if applicant is a corporation, and the names and addresses of any persons owning more than twenty percent (20%) of the voting stock of any applicant corporation together with a certified copy of the applicant corporations Articles of Incorporation. If the applicant is a partnership, names and addresses of all partners. If the applicant is other than a corporation or partnership, the names and addresses of all persons having an ownership interest in the business and the nature and percentage of such interest;

4. Location of all taxi stands requested;

5. The number of vehicles owned or leased and the number of vehicles operated by the applicant on the date of application;

• 6. The number of vehicles for which permission to operate in the City is desired;
• 7. Principal place where vehicles will be garaged and serviced;
• 8. Location from which vehicles will be dispatched;

9. The make, type, year of manufacture, vehicle identification number, and passenger seating capacity of each taxicab desired to be operated within the City;

10. Schedule of rates proposed to be charged;

11. The make and type of taximeter installed on each taxicab;

12. Description of the proposed color scheme, insignia, and any other distinguishing characteristics of the proposed taxicab identification scheme;

13. Applicant statement estimating the need for additional taxicab service within the City, supported by factual data;

14. Other jurisdictions in which applicant is permitted to conduct a taxicab business, and the number of taxicabs operated in each such jurisdictions;

15. Whether the applicant has ever had a permit to operate a taxicab business suspended or revoked by any jurisdiction, and if so when, where and the reasons for such suspension or revocation;

16. Whether the applicant is the owner of or stockholder in any other taxicab business and if so, the name and address of such business and the nature of the applicants interest therein;

B. In addition to the above, an applicant or permittee shall, upon request, furnish to the City any information requested regarding the business operations of the permittee. Such information may include, but shall not be limited to, information contained in the permittee's financial books and records, log sheets, trip records or other records evidencing the level of service provided.

C. Applicant shall provide his or her fingerprints in the manner prescribed by the Culver City Police Department.

('65 Code, § 34-3) (Ord. No. 83-020 § 1)

No permit to conduct a taxicab business shall be granted or application acted upon until the City Manager causes an investigation to be made and his report and findings submitted to the City Council. The report shall contain but shall not be limited to the following information:

A. The adequacy of the existing taxicab service;

B. The financial responsibility and experience of the applicant;

C. The effect additional taxicab service may have upon traffic and parking within the City;

D. Verification of the statements contained in the application.

E. Such other information as the Council may request or the City Manager deem necessary or advisable.

('65 Code, § 34-4) (Ord. No. 83-020 § 1; Ord. No. 2006-009 § 22 (part))

Upon the filing of an application for a permit to conduct a taxicab business, the City Council shall fix a time and place for a public hearing thereon. At least ten (10) days written notice of the time and place set for public hearing shall be given to the applicant and to other permittees operating taxicabs in the City. Notice shall also be given the general public by publication in a newspaper of general circulation. Any interested person may file with the City Manager a memorandum in support of or in opposition to the issuance of the permit.

('65 Code, § 34-5) (Ord. No. 83-020 § 1; Ord. No. 2006-009 § 22 (part))

The City Council shall make findings as to whether the public convenience and necessity requires or does not require additional taxicab service at the conclusion of the public hearing or at a later date if it is determined that the matter should be continued for further study. The City Council shall consider the report from the City Manager, the factual matters as verified in the application, the memorandums or other written materials on file, any presentations made in the public hearing and its own investigation of the subject matter which has been received by the Council.

('65 Code, § 34-6) (Ord. No. 83-020 § 1; Ord. No. 2006-009 § 22 (part))

A. Upon approval of the application by the City Council, the payment of fees and completion of inspection of all taxicabs as required by this Code, the permit to conduct a taxicab business shall be issued by the City Treasurer. Every permit to conduct a taxicab business issued hereunder shall be valid for a period of one fiscal year, subject to revocation in the manner prescribed herein. Provided, however, that an initial permit to conduct a taxicab business may be issued for part of a fiscal year. A permit to conduct a taxicab business shall be renewed upon payment of the annual license and permit fees in accordance with the then prevailing schedule of such fees unless, after hearing by the Council, it is determined by the Council that the permit should not be renewed. A permit to conduct a taxicab business shall be issued annually for the period from July 1st through June 30th. Permit fees shall be delinquent if not received within thirty (30) days from the expiration date of the permit. A penalty of ten percent (10%) per month shall be applied to all delinquent fees. Upon each annual renewal, the permittee shall be issued a permit in the form and manner required by this Chapter, without the necessity of establishing that the public interest and necessity is served by such existing and continued taxicab service, as would be required in the case of a new applicant. Any applicant may be required to complete a new application form or supply additional information regarding business operations or business structure. In the event an initial permit to conduct a taxicab business is issued for part of a year the applicable fees shall be prorated as provided in this Code. Other than an initial permit, a permit to conduct a taxicab business shall not be issued for parts of a year.

B. The City Treasurer, upon receipt of the required permit fees, shall issue a receipt for said funds to the applicant. The receipt for fees paid shall not constitute a permit to operate a taxicab or taxicab business. The City Treasurer, upon issuance of the receipt for fees shall transmit to the Police Department one decal for each taxicab authorized by the Council. The applicant shall, within thirty (30) days from the date upon which permit fees are paid to the City Treasurer present the authorized number of taxicabs to the Police Department for inspection. Failure of an applicant to present the authorized number of taxicabs to the Police Department for inspection within thirty (30) days shall automatically void the authorization for the number of taxicabs not inspected and shall reduce the total number of taxicabs previously authorized to that number which have been inspected and to which decals have been affixed by the Police Department. The Chief of Police may, upon good cause shown by the applicant, extend the initial thirty (30) day period for inspection for an additional period of time not to exceed a total of an additional thirty (30) days.

C. Upon certification by the City Attorney that the applicant has provided proof of insurance as required by this Chapter and upon certification by the Police Department that the authorized number of taxicabs have been inspected and the City decals affixed thereto, the City Treasurer shall issue the permit to conduct a taxicab business to the applicant, provided that the applicant has obtained a business tax certificate as required by this Code.

('65 Code, § 34-7) (Ord. No. 83-020 § 1)

A. As used in this Section, the following definitions shall apply:

1. CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE. Those substances specified in 49 CAR 40.1 et seq., as it exists on the effective date of this Section, or as it may be amended.

2. NEGATIVE TEST FOR ALCOHOL. An alcohol screening test showing a breath alcohol concentration of less than 0.02 percent.

B. Drivers shall test negative for each of the controlled substances specified in 49 CAR 40.1 et seq., as it exists on the effective date of this Section, or as it may be amended, before employment. Drivers shall test negative for these controlled substances and for alcohol as a condition of granting a permit or permit renewal of their driver's permit issued by the Police Department.

C. Testing procedures shall be substantially as in 49 CAR 40.1 et seq., as it exists on the effective date of this Section, or as it may be amended, except that the driver shall show a valid California driver's license at the time and place of testing, and except as provided otherwise in this Section. Requirements for rehabilitation and for return-to-duty and follow-up testing and other requirements, except as provided otherwise in this Section, shall be substantially as in 49 CAR 382.101 et seq., as it exists on the effective date of this Section, or as it may be amended.

D. The holder of an operator's permit, or an applicant therefor, shall be responsible for ensuring that all persons employed by them as drivers, all applicants who have been offered positions of employment as drivers, and all persons to whom vehicles are leased to be used as taxicabs, have provided the City Treasurer with satisfactory proof of compliance with the drug and alcohol testing requirements contained in this Section.

E. Taxicab companies approved to operate in Culver City shall be responsible for the cost of drug and alcohol testing of drivers employed by them.

F. Each applicant (taxicab company) shall submit satisfactory proof of a negative test result for controlled substances and for alcohol to the City Treasurer before a permit to conduct a taxicab business shall be issued. No approval to conduct a taxicab business shall be granted unless such proof has been submitted.

G. Persons holding a valid Business Tax Certificate shall, within thirty (30) days of the expiration date thereof, submit satisfactory proof to the City Treasurer of a negative test for controlled substances and for alcohol for each driver indicated on their Annual Business Tax Renewal.

H. Self-employed independent drivers shall be responsible for compliance with, and shall pay all costs of, this program with regard to themselves. Employing transportation operators shall be responsible for compliance with, and shall pay all costs of, this program with respect to their employees and potential employees, except that an operator may require employees who test positive to pay the costs of rehabilitation and of return-to-duty and follow-up testing.

I. Test results shall be reported directly to the employing transportation operator, who shall, within five (5) days of receipt of negative results, notify the Police Department. Self-employed independent drivers shall submit all test results to the Police Department, who shall notify the taxicab leasing company of record, if any of positive results.

J. The driver's permit of any person convicted of illegally using, possessing, selling, or driving under the influence of any controlled substance or alcohol, shall be subject to suspension or revocation pursuant to the provisions of this code.

K. A test in any jurisdiction shall be accepted as meeting the requirements of this Section. Any negative test result shall be accepted for one year as meeting a requirement for periodic permit renewal testing or any other periodic testing in any jurisdiction, if the driver has not tested positive subsequent to a negative result. However, an alternative negative result shall not be accepted as meeting the pre-employment testing requirement for any subsequent employment, or any testing requirements under the program, other than periodic testing.

L. Upon the request of a driver applying for a permit, the Police Department shall provide the driver with a list of the consortia certified pursuant to 49 CAR 382.101 et seq. that the City knows offer tests in or near the jurisdiction.

M. All test results are confidential and shall not be released without the consent of the driver, except as authorized or required by law.

N. No evidence derived from a positive test result pursuant to the program shall be admissible in a criminal prosecution concerning unlawful possession, sale or distribution of controlled substances.

('65 Code, § 34-7A) (Ord. No. 96-024 § 1)

Whenever a permittee sells or transfers title to a taxicab for which a decal has been issued the permittee shall remove the City decal and identification cards from the taxicab and shall return them to the City Treasurer within ten (10) days of such sale or transfer. If the permittee purchases a replacement taxicab for the one sold or transferred within thirty (30) days from the date of such sale or transfer and makes application on the forms provided by the City Treasurer, the City Treasurer shall issue a decal for the replacement taxicab for the period remaining on the decal previously issued to the taxicab which was sold or transferred. Replacement decals issued pursuant to this Section shall not increase the total number of decals authorized for the operator nor shall replacement decals issued exceed the number of decals cancelled for taxicabs sold or transferred, inspection of replacement taxicabs shall be in accordance with § 11.10.035 of this Code.

('65 Code, § 34-8) (Ord. No. 83-020 § 1)

Any permittee whose taxicab has been destroyed may within thirty (30) days from the date of such destruction request that a decal be issued for a replacement taxicab for the one destroyed. Replacement decals shall be issued in accordance with the provisions of § 11.10.045 of this Code.

('65 Code, § 34-9) (Ord. No. 83-020 § 1)

A permit to conduct a taxicab business, taxi driver permits and taxicab decals may be suspended or revoked by the City Council upon notice and hearing with respect thereto, on the following grounds:

A. That the permittee or driver has failed to operate in accordance with the provisions of the Chapter;

B. That the permittee has failed to maintain or secure insurance on any taxicab;

C. That the permittee has failed to service the residents of the City as evidenced by complaints of refusal of service, including but not limited to a refusal of the permittee or driver to take “short haul” customers, or evidence that the permittee has not substantially operated within the City;

D. That the public safety or convenience and necessity would be best served by such revocation or suspension of the permit for any taxicab.

E. That the permittee used the permit issued by the City of Culver City to conduct unlawful taxicab operations in another jurisdiction. A conviction in or the administrative finding of another jurisdiction that the permittee has unlawfully operated a taxi business without a permit required by the jurisdiction shall constitute prima facie evidence of improper or unlawful use of the permit issued by the City of Culver City and may constitute grounds for suspension and/or revocation of the permit.

('65 Code, § 34-10) (Ord. No. 83-020 § 1; Ord. No. 83-031 § 1)

The Chief of Police shall suspend any taxi driver's permit and/or decal to operate a taxicab for a period of not to exceed two (2) weeks in the event that he determines that the public safety and welfare is endangered due to mechanical or operational defects which cannot be immediately made to comply with the provisions of this Chapter and the reasonable safety regulations imposed by him, by the City Council or by State law. In the event the Chief of Police suspends any permit or decal hereunder, he shall notify the City Manager who shall set the matter on the next regular agenda of the City Council for hearing. Notice of said hearing shall be sent to the permittee by certified mail. The Chief of Police shall report to the Council in writing the reasons for the suspension and the actions required to correct the mechanical or operational defect endangering the public health or safety. The Council after hearing on the suspension may affirm, reverse or modify the suspension or may, in the event that the suspension is affirmed, set a revocation hearing in the manner required by this Chapter for the revocation of the permit to conduct a taxicab business, the taxi drivers permit and/or the decal for the vehicle or any or all of them. Any suspension imposed shall remain in effect pending a hearing on the revocation of the permit or decal. It shall be unlawful for any person to operate or to permit to be operated any taxicab subject to the suspension during the period of a suspension.

('65 Code, § 34-11) (Ord. No. 83-020 § 1; Ord. No. 2006-009 § 22 (part))

Before any permit to conduct a taxicab business is issued, the permittee shall be required to file with the City Attorney and thereafter keep in full force and effect, a policy of insurance in such form as the City Attorney may deem proper. Such policy of insurance shall insure the owner and the driver of each of the vehicles operated, or to be operated under the permit, against liability for damage to property and for injury to, or death of, any person as a result of the ownership, operation or other use thereof. The minimum liability limits on each such vehicle shall be not less than One Hundred Thousand Dollars ($100,000.00) on account of personal injury to, or death of, any one person in any one accident, and Three Hundred Thousand Dollars ($300,000.00) on account of personal injury to, or death of, two (2) or more persons in any one accident, and the minimum liability limits on each such vehicle shall be not less than Twenty-Five Thousand Dollars ($25,000.00) for damage to, or destruction of, property in any one accident. All such policies shall contain a provision for the continuing liability thereunder up to the full amount of coverage thereof, notwithstanding any recovery thereon, and naming the City as an additional insured thereunder for all claims, demands and actions of any type whatever occasioned by the operation of the permittees taxicab business; and shall further contain a provision or endorsement providing that such policy will not be cancelled until notice in writing shall be given to the City addressed in care of the City Attorney, City Hall, Culver City, California 90230, at least thirty (30) days immediately prior to the time such cancellation shall become effective.

('65 Code, § 34-13) (Ord. No. 83-020 § 1)

Fees and permits to conduct a taxicab business shall be set by City Council resolution.

('65 Code, § 34-15) (Ord. No. 83-020 § 1; Ord. No. 83-031 § 4; Ord. No. 92-017 § 4; Ord. No 96-029 § 1; Ord. No. 2007-002 § 17)

OPERATING REQUIREMENTS

A. Taximeters required. It shall be unlawful for any permittee or driver to operate any taxicab in the City unless such vehicle is equipped with a taximeter of such type, style, and design as may be approved by the Chief of Police. Taximeters which are capable of being programmed to carry multiple rates are prohibited unless the customer in each instance is given a receipt showing the “flag drop rate” or initial charge, the charge per mile, miles traveled and the total charge. Where such receipts are given, the permittee shall maintain a copy of each receipt which shall be maintained with a record of the number of trips taken. It shall be the responsibility of the permittee to audit such receipts and assure that a receipt was prepared for each trip. It shall be the duty of every owner operating a taxicab to keep such taximeter in good condition so that such taximeter will, at all times, accurately indicate the correct charge for the distance traveled and the waiting time. Such taximeter shall be at all times subject to inspection by an inspector appointed by the City or by any police officer. Such inspector or police officer is hereby authorized at his or her instance or upon complaint of any person to investigate, or cause to be investigated, such taximeter, and upon the discovery of any inaccuracy in such taximeter, to remove or cause to be removed such vehicle from the streets of the City until such time as the taximeter shall have been correctly adjusted and certified by the Los Angeles County Department of Weights and Measures or other person or agency approved by the Chief of Police.

B. Taximeter “For Hire” indicator. Every taximeter shall be equipped with a flag or other mechanical or electronic device which displays the words “For Hire.” Such flag or device shall be so attached and connected to the mechanism of the taximeter as to cause the mechanism not to operate when the flag or device indicates that the taxicab is for hire. The flag or device shall, when activated, start the operation of the taximeter so that the same will operate in the manner set forth hereinabove.

C. Use of “For Hire” indicator. It shall be unlawful for any driver of a taxicab, while carrying passengers to display the flag or device controlled by such taximeter which denotes that such vehicle is for hire or is not employed, or to have such flag or device in such a position as to prevent the taximeter from operating, or for any driver to operate such flag or device of a taximeter in a manner which causes the taximeter to record when such vehicle is not actually employed, or fail to operate such flag or device on a taximeter into a non-recording position at the termination of each and every service.

D. Charges—amount recorded. All charges for transportation of passengers in taxicabs operated in the City shall be based on the charges indicated on the taximeter. It shall be unlawful for any owner, driver, or operator of any taxicab to charge any passenger any sum other than the sum indicated on the taximeter, the charging or solicitation of a “flat rate fare” not recorded on the taximeter is prohibited.

E. Placement of taximeter. The taximeter shall be placed in the taxicab so the reading dial or display showing the amount to be charged shall be well lighted in not less than one-half (½) inch block numbers and shall be readily visible by the passenger unless such taximeter is equipped and operated as a receipt printing taximeter.

('65 Code, § 34-12(a)) (Ord. No. 83-020 § 1; Ord. No. 83-031 §§ 2-3; Ord. No. 84-003 § 1)

The maximum rates or fares to be charged the public for taxicab service within the City shall be fixed by the City Council by resolution. It shall be unlawful for any taxicab within the City to charge, receive or collect any rate or fare in excess of the maximum for such taxicab service. Upon the adoption of any such resolution the City Clerk shall immediately forward a certified copy thereof to the Police Department and to all permittees within the City.

('65 Code, § 34-12(b)) (Ord. No. 83-020 § 1; Ord. No. 83-031 §§ 2-3; Ord. No. 84-003 § 1)

A. Conformance to requirements. No vehicle shall be granted a permit unless it conforms to the provisions of this Chapter. Failure to maintain a taxicab in conformance with the provisions of this Chapter shall be grounds for revocation of a taxi permit issued to such vehicle.

B. Approval of taximeter. No taxicab shall be operated until the taximeter therein has been tested, approved and sealed by the Los Angeles County Department of Weights and Measures or by an agency or person approved by the Chief of Police.

C. Identification containers. Each taxicab licensed to operate in the City shall have located in a convenient place in the driver's compartment and in view of the passengers therein, two (2) lighted containers of a type and design approved by the Chief of Police. Such containers shall contain cards provided by the Chief of Police bearing the following information:

1. One container shall have a card therein bearing:

a. The name of the company to which the card is issued;

b. The decal number issued to the taxicab;

c. The date of issuance and expiration of the permit to conduct a taxicab business;

d. The state license plate number and vehicle identification number of the taxicab displaying the same;

e. The taxicab number;

f. The maximum rates established by the Council.

2. One container shall have a card therein bearing:

a. The number of the taxicab drivers permit;

b. The driver's name and California operator's license number;

c. The name of the company employing the driver;

d. Date of issuance and expiration of the taxi driver's permit; and

e. A small photograph of the driver.

3. A container with a card therein or a decal of a size approved by the Police Department shall be permanently affixed to the rear of the driver's seat and shall face the passenger seated in the rear seat. The sign or decal shall contain the following:

“This taxicab is operated under a permit from the City of Culver City. Any consumer complaints regarding charges, service or the cleanliness of this taxi may be reported by mail to:

Taxi P.O. Box 507 City Hall, Culver City, CA 90230

Maximum rates for Culver City must be displayed at all times. All charges must be shown on the taximeter. FLAT FEE CHARGES ARE PROHIBITED.”

D. Color, insignia, and design. All taxicabs shall conform to a color scheme approved by the City Council as required to be described in § 11.10.015a.12. of this Code.

E. Safety equipment. All taxicabs shall be equipped with:

• 1. A fully charged ABC Multi-purpose five (5) pound fire extinguisher;
• 2. Not less than twelve (12) emergency flares;
• 3. Complete and operable equipment necessary to change a flat tire;

4. A properly inflated spare tire that meets the requirements of Cal. Veh. Code § 27465 (tread to be not less than 1/32 of an inch);

F. Display of license seal or decal. Every taxicab shall display a seal or identification decal in manner established by the Chief of Police or by the Council.

('65 Code, § 34-12(c)) (Ord. No. 83-020 § 1; Ord. No. 83-031 §§ 2-3; Ord. No. 84-003 § 1)

A. Inspection.

1. Before a decal is issued or reissued to any owner for any taxicab, such owner shall deliver the taxicab to a place designated by the Chief of Police for inspection. The Chief of Police shall designate officers to inspect such taxicab, its equipment, and taximeter, to ascertain whether such taxicab complies with the provisions of this Chapter. Taxicabs shall be inspected at least annually and shall have been washed within twenty-four (24) hours preceding the inspection.

2. The overall appearance of the taxicab shall be such as to indicate that the taxicab is in good repair and maintenance. There shall be no broken or cracked glass. All doors, hoods and trunk lids shall latch properly and there shall be no gaps between doors and body in the closed position in excess of manufacturer's standards. There shall be no sheet metal damage in excess of twenty-five percent (25%) of the surface area on any of the following major components of the taxicab:

a. Doors.

b. Trunk.

c. Hood.

d. Roof.

e. Quarter panels.

f. Grill work.

g. Front and rear bumpers.

h. Fenders.

3. There shall be no chipped or peeling paint on the sheet metal body visible to the unaided eye in normal sunlight at a distance of twenty-five (25) feet.

B. Right of entry. Any police officer of the City shall have the right at any time after displaying proper identification to enter into or upon any taxicab for the purpose of ascertaining whether or not any of the provisions of this Chapter are being violated.

C. Unsafe or unsuitable vehicles. Any taxicab which is found to be unsafe or in any way unsuitable for taxicab service after inspection by a police officer, it shall be immediately ordered out of service by the Chief of Police and before again being placed in service shall be placed in a safe condition by the permittee and reinspected by the Police Department.

D. Sanitation. The interior of every taxicab shall be maintained in a clean condition at all times and shall be thoroughly cleaned at least once in every twenty-four (24) hours. There shall be no unrepaired rips in any of the upholstery including seats, carpeting, paneling, and head liner. Any repairs shall be finished in a workman-like manner. Door handles, arm rests, window cranks and all other interior accessory items shall be maintained in good repair. There shall be an operating interior light. The floor of the vehicle shall be covered with a clean automobile floor covering.

('65 Code, § 34-12(d)) (Ord. No. 83-020 § 1; Ord. No. 83-031 §§ 2-3; Ord. No. 84-003 § 1)

A. Permit required. It shall be unlawful for any person to drive or operate a taxicab without first obtaining a taxi driver permit to do so from the Chief of Police.

B. Application. Persons applying for taxi driver permits shall file applications with the Police Department on forms provided by the Police Department.

C. Identification card. Upon obtaining a taxi driver permit, the holder of the permit shall be issued an identification card of such design and size as will conspicuously show the information required in § 11.10.310 C.2. of this Subchapter. Such card shall be displayed within the vehicle being operated by the permittee at all times. Taxi driver permits shall be valid for one year from the date of issuance.

D. Qualifications. No permit shall be issued to any of the following persons:

1. Any person under the age of eighteen (18) years:

2. Any person who does not possess a valid California driver's license of the proper classification;

3. Any person who has been convicted of a felony, or who has been convicted of either driving a vehicle while under the influence of intoxicating liquors or under the influence of narcotics or who has been convicted of reckless driving, unless two (2) years have elapsed since such conviction and during which time the person has maintained a good record.

E. Examination. Each applicant for a taxi driver permit shall be examined by a person designated by the Chief of Police as to the applicants knowledge of the provisions of this Chapter, the traffic regulations, and the geography of the City. If the result of the examination is unsatisfactory, the permit shall be refused.

F. Driving test. Each applicant may be required to demonstrate the skill and ability to drive safely and to safely handle the taxi vehicle by driving it through a crowded section of the City accompanied by an inspector designated by the Chief of Police.

G. Revocation-refusal to renew permits.

1. The Chief of Police shall revoke or refuse to renew a taxi driver permit if the driver or applicant has, since the granting of the permit:

a. Been convicted of a felony;

b. Had his or her California driver's license revoked or suspended;

c. Been convicted of driving while under the influence of intoxicating liquors or narcotics;

d. During any continuous six (6) month period, had three (3) or more convictions for any offense involving driving;

e. Been convicted of any sexual offense.

2. The Chief of Police may revoke or refuse to renew a taxi driver permit for any reason in addition to those set forth in this Section, which in the opinion of the Chief of Police, has rendered the person unfit to drive a taxicab.

H. Appeal from revocation or refusal to renew. Any person whose taxi driver permit has been revoked or renewal refused by the Chief of Police may, within ten (10) days after receipt of notice thereof, appeal to the City Council for a hearing thereon. The Chief of Police shall set forth in writing his reasons for the revocation or for the refusal to renew a taxi driver permit and shall transmit a copy thereof to the City Council and to the permittee. If a timely appeal is filed with the City the matter shall be set for hearing within fourteen (14) days. At the hearing the permittee and the Police Department may present evidence orally or in writing. The City Council shall make findings on the evidence presented and shall determine that the action of the Police Department should be sustained, reversed or modified. The action of the City Council shall be final. If no appeal is filed within the time period provided herein by the applicant the action of the Chief of Police shall be final.

(‘65 Code, § 34-12(e)) (Ord. No. 83-020 § 1; Ord. No. 83-031 §§ 2- 3; Ord. No. 84-003 § 1; Ord. No. 2025-001 § 2 (part))

A. Direct route. Any driver employed to transport passengers to a definite point shall take the most direct route possible which will carry the passenger to the destination safely and expeditiously.

B. Receipts. Every driver, upon request, shall give a correct receipt upon payment of the correct fare. Receipts shall be given with or without request where programmable or multirate taximeters are used as required in § 11.10.300 A.

C. Refusal to pay fare. It shall be unlawful for any person to refuse to pay the lawful fare of any of the vehicles regulated by this Chapter after employing or hiring such vehicle, and any person who shall hire such vehicle with the intent to defraud the person from whom it is hired shall be guilty of a misdemeanor.

D. Service. It shall be unlawful for any person operating a taxi pursuant to this Chapter to refuse service to any person seeking to employ such taxi for the reason that the distance to be traveled is considered a “short haul.” No permittee shall establish or impose upon any customer or prospective customer a minimum number of miles of travel or a minimum fare unrelated to the number of miles actually traveled nor shall service be refused to any person on the basis of such minimums. Any permittee who refuses service to any person on the basis of any “short haul” restrictions or the imposition of any minimums as set forth herein shall be guilty of a misdemeanor. In addition to any other penalties, a refusal of service for the reasons set forth in this Subchapter shall be grounds for the revocation of any permit obtained pursuant to this Chapter. All drivers shall observe the following rules when rendering service:

1. Driver shall not refuse a request for service because of driver's position in line at a taxicab zone. A passenger may select any cab in line.

2. Driver shall not refer or attempt to refer a potential patron to another taxicab or alternate means of transportation except where such referral is for an alternate fee transportation service available to the requested destination and provided the passenger willingly accepts the referral.

3. Driver shall not dismiss or discharge any passenger at a point other than the requested destination without adequate cause. If a passenger is discharged for a cause, such shall be done at a safe well-lighted place convenient to public transportation. Driver shall immediately notify dispatcher of any such incident. The permittee shall conduct an investigation into the circumstances and promptly provide a written report to the City Attorney.

4. Driver shall not attempt to influence the destination of a passenger and shall not accept fees or gratuities from anyone other than passenger or his/her agent.

5. Driver shall not refuse to transport in the taxicab any passenger's personal luggage, possessions, wheelchairs which can be folded and placed in either the passenger, driver or trunk compartments of the taxicab, groceries or packages when accompanied by a passenger, small pets in carriers or a guide dog for a blind passenger. The driver shall not be required to transport any article which would cause the taxicab to become damaged, stained or foul smelling.

6. Driver shall place passenger's luggage or packages in and out of the taxicab when requested.

7. Driver shall assist a passenger in and out of a taxicab when requested, provided the driver is not required to lift the passenger.

8. Driver shall not engage in unwanted conversation with passenger.

9. Driver shall not smoke while the taxicab is occupied, without the consent of all passengers.

10. Driver shall not permit anyone who is not a passenger to sit in the taxicab while driver is on duty except where driver is receiving training from the permittee.

E. Number of passengers. No driver of any taxicab shall accept, take into his or her vehicle, or transport any larger number of passengers than the rated seating capacity of the vehicle. The Police Department shall, at the time of inspection, determine the seating capacity of the vehicle and the maximum seating capacity shall be displayed on the permit issued by the Police Department.

F. Unattended or standing taxicabs. No taxi driver shall stand or park on any public street while awaiting employment, at any place other than at a duly designated taxi stand, nor shall the driver of any taxi leave the taxi unattended in a taxi stand for a period of time longer than five (5) minutes.

G. Exclusive use by passenger. Any person engaging a taxicab shall have the exclusive right to the full use of the taxicab. While so engaged, the driver shall not solicit or carry additional passengers without obtaining the consent of the person first engaging the taxicab.

('65 Code, § 34-12(f)) (Ord. No. 83-020 § 1; Ord. No. 83-031 §§ 2-3; Ord. No. 84-003 § 1)

Taxi stand permits may be issued to a permittee hereunder allowing taxicabs operated by the permittee, while awaiting employment, to stand in certain designated places on the public streets. No permit shall be granted except upon the application of the permittee desiring such stand, filed with the City Manager, stating the number and kind of vehicles for which the permit is sought and the proposed location of such stand or stands. The City Manager may grant permits upon the recommendation of the Chief of Police.

('65 Code, § 34-12(g)) (Ord. No. 83-020 § 1; Ord. No. 83-031 §§ 2-3; Ord. No. 84-003 § 1; Ord. No. 2006-009 § 22 (part))