Chapter 119 — TAXICABS

For the purpose of this chapter, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning. DRIVER. Every person in charge of or operating any passenger-carrying vehicle, either as agent, employee, or otherwise, under the direction of the owner. OWNER. Every person, firm, or corporation having the use, control of, or right to use or control any passenger-carrying automobile or motor-propelled vehicle under ownership, lease, or otherwise.

TAXICAB. Every automobile or motor-propelled vehicle used for the transportation of passengers over the public streets of the city and not over a defined route, irrespective of whether the operations extend beyond the boundary limits of the city at rates for distance traveled or for waiting time, or for both, and such vehicle is routed under the direction of the passenger or of such persons hiring the same.

('65 Code, § 5-22.01) (Ord. 290, passed - - )

It shall be unlawful for any person to engage in, carry on, or conduct the business of operating a motor vehicle for hire without first securing a permit for the business from the City Council so to do.

('65 Code, § 5-22.02) (Ord. 290, passed - - ; Am. Ord. 408, passed - -; Am. Ord. 476-C.S., passed 12-17-96) Penalty, see § 10.99

Any person desiring to engage in the business of operating a motor vehicle in the city for hire shall first file with the Council a written application setting forth the name and address of the applicant, the name under which it is proposed to conduct such business, the location of the principal place of business of the applicant, the number, make, and model of the vehicles to be used, the rates or fares to be charged, and such other information as the Council may from time to time require. ('65 Code, § 5-22.03) (Ord. 290, passed - - ; Am. Ord. 408, passed - - )

If the Council is satisfied that the public convenience justifies the operation of such business in the city and that the applicant is a proper person to conduct the same, it shall direct the Finance Director to issue a permit to the applicant upon the payment of the license fee set forth in §§ 110.60 through 110.69 of this title. ('65 Code, § 5-22.04) (Ord. 290, passed - - ; Am. Ord. 408, passed - - )

The Council may revoke or suspend the permit granted pursuant to the provisions of this chapter to any person who violates any of the provisions of this chapter. ('65 Code, § 5-22.06) (Ord. 408, passed - - )

Prior to issuance of a permit by the Finance Director, the applicant shall provide evidence of the insurance coverage required under the city's insurance coverage standards as promulgated by the City Manager.

The traffic provisions regarding the time limit for parking automobiles shall not apply to vehicles being operated pursuant to the provisions of this chapter, provided such vehicles are parked in the spaces designated by the City Engineer therefor.

('65 Code, § 5-22.08) (Ord. 408, passed - - )

(A) Overcharging. It shall be unlawful for any person operating a motor vehicle for hire to charge or collect a fare larger than that set forth in the application filed with the city. ('65 Code, § 5-22.09)

(B) Nonpayment. It shall be unlawful for any person to fail or refuse to pay the legal fare for a taxicab after having hired the same. ('65 Code, § 5-22.10) (Ord. 408, passed - - ) Penalty, see § 10.99

It shall be unlawful for any person soliciting patronage for any taxicab to misrepresent by word, sign, insignia, or badge the true identity of the vehicle for which such patronage is sought.

('65 Code, § 5-22.11) (Ord. 290, passed - - ) Penalty, see § 10.99

The City Manager's Office shall receive and investigate complaints from any person regarding taxicab operations in the city. Upon completion of his investigation, the City Manager shall forward his report to the City Council who may take appropriate action after affording the licensee an opportunity, during a regularly schedule City Council meeting, to respond to the complaints.

('65 Code, § 5-22.12) (Ord. 290, passed - - ; Am. Ord. 476-C.S., passed 12-17-96)

The Council shall have the authority to adopt such rules and regulations as may be necessary for the convenient and proper operation or management of taxicabs. ('65 Code, § 5-22.13) (Ord. 290, passed - - )