Petaluma Municipal Code Ch. 14.04 DEFINITIONS1

1 Editor’s Note: Prior ordinance history includes portions of prior code §24.1 and Ordinance No. 73 NCS.

For the purpose of this chapter, the following terms shall be deemed and construed to have the meanings

respectively ascribed to them in this section, unless from the particular contents it clearly appears that some other

meaning is intended. (Ord. 2217 NCS §2, 2005.)

"Automobile for hire" means and includes every motor vehicle of private appearance which is operated and hired

from a public or private garage only, and the destination and route of which are under the control of the

passengers being carried therein, for a compensation which is Jxed in accordance with the distance traveled,

waiting time, or both.

The term "automobile for hire" shall not include limousines, or taxicabs subject to regulation under Chapter 14.17.

(Ord. 2217 NCS §2, 2005.)

"Bus" means every automobile or motor-driven vehicle by means of which passengers are transported for

compensation upon streets of the city, over predetermined routes and between Jxed termini, excepting

automobiles for hire as deJned in this chapter. (Ord. 2217 NCS §2, 2005.)

"Central permit bureau" means the central permit bureau in the assessor-tax collector department of the city.

(Ord. 2217 NCS §2, 2005.)

"CertiJcate" means the certiJcate of public convenience and necessity issued by the council pursuant to the terms

of this chapter authorizing the owner of any automobile for hire or bus, as the case may be, to engage in the

business of operating such vehicles upon the public streets of the city for the purpose of transporting passengers

for hire. (Ord. 2217 NCS §2, 2005.)

"Commission" means the planning commission of the city. (Ord. 2217 NCS §2, 2005.)

"Driver" means every person in immediate charge or control of or operating an automobile for hire or bus, as

agent, employee or otherwise, under the direction of the owner or as owner. (Ord. 2217 NCS §2, 2005.)

"License" means the driver’s license issued to any person by the chief of police under this title, indicating his

individual qualiJcation and authority to operate or drive a bus or automobile for hire. (Ord. 2217 NCS §2, 2005.)

"Owner" means every person having the ownership, use or control of any bus or automobile for hire, who

operates or who proposes to operate any automobile for hire or bus company as a business within the city limits.

(Ord. 2217 NCS §2, 2005.)

"Permit" means the authority issued to an owner authorizing him to operate or have operated a speciJc

automobile for hire or bus upon the public streets of the city. (Ord. 2217 NCS §2, 2005.)

"Rated capacity" means the number of individuals a bus or automobile for hire is authorized and equipped to

carry by the manufacturer of such vehicle, including standing capacity, providing the bus is equipped with

appropriate devices for the carriage of passengers while standing. (Ord. 2217 NCS §2, 2005.)

"Street" means any place commonly used for the purpose of public travel within the city limits. (Ord. 2217 NCS §2,

2005.)