Chapter 5.36 — TAXICABS

For the purposes of this chapter, the following words and the phrases shall when used in this chapter have the meanings respectively ascribed to them by this section:

"Taxicab" means every vehicle for hire operated from a taxicab stand. Each such vehicle: (1) shall have a distinct color and signs; (2) shall be of public appearance such as in common usage in this County for taxicabs; (3) shall be equipped with a taximeter; (4) shall be used for the transportation of one or more passengers for hire over the streets of this City and not over a definite route, irrespective of whether the operation extends beyond the limits of the City, at rates for distance traveled or for waiting time, or for both; and (5) shall be routed under the direction of the passenger or person hiring the same.

"Taxicab stand" means a place on a public street designated by a taxicab stand permit and shown by appropriate signs, curb markings, and pavement striping.

"Taximeter" means an instrument or device by which the charge for hire of a taxicab is calculated and displayed to the passenger either for distance traveled or for waiting time, or for both. (Prior code § 18.70)

• A. Required. No person shall operate a taxicab stand or a taxicab therefrom without first having obtained a written permit from the City Council.

• B. Application. Applicants for a permit required by subsection A shall file with the City Council an application setting forth the place or stand to be occupied, the number of taxicabs to be used, the charges to be made for the carrying of passengers, and the extent, character and quality of service of the taxicabs to be used.

• C. Applicant to Be a Legal Resident and at Least 21 Years of Age. Every applicant for a permit to operate a taxicab stand or to drive a taxicab must be a legal resident of the United States of America and must be at least 21 years of age.

• (Prior code §§ 18.71—18.73)

The City Council in determining whether or not a permit shall be issued to the applicant, may take into consideration all facts as it may deem pertinent and proper, which facts shall or must include the following:

• A. The applicant is financially responsible;

• B. The applicant is a fit and proper person to operate a taxicab within the City;

• C. The charges made for the services of the taxicab are fair and reasonable so that the applicant may earn a fair and reasonable return for the services rendered.

• (Prior code § 18.74)

• A. Before any permit is issued, the owner of any taxicab stand and any taxicab shall be required to file with the City Council, and thereafter keep in full force and effect, a policy of insurance in such form as the City Council may deem proper, executed by an insurance company approved by the City Council, insuring the public against any loss or damage that may result to any person or property from the operation of such taxicab stand or taxicab; provided, that the maximum amount of recovery in such policy of insurance specified, shall not be less than the amounts set by resolution of the City Council from time to time.

• B. Such person may, in lieu of the aforesaid policy of liability insurance, file with the City Council, a bond in such form as the City Council may deem proper, executed by a responsible and solvent corporation authorized to conduct a bonding insurance business under the laws of the State, which bond shall be conditioned upon the payment of all final judgments which may be rendered against any such person for damages on account of injuries to property or person, including both passengers and the public, occasioned by the operation of any such taxicab stand or taxicab, and which bond shall be in the amounts set by resolution of the City Council from time to time.

• (Prior code § 18.75)

• A. No taxicab permit shall be issued to any person until a standard, distinctive and uniform color scheme has been adopted by the applicant and approved by the City Council which designates by color the owner of the taxicab.

• B. No permit shall be issued to any person whose color scheme, name, monogram or insignia shall be in conflict with or imitate any color scheme, monogram, name or insignia used by another concern in such a manner as to be misleading or tend to deceive or defraud the public.

(Prior code § 18.76)

Permits provided for in this chapter may be granted, denied, revoked, suspended or cancelled as to any person or applicant whenever, in the exercise of reasonable and sound discretion, the City Council determines that the provisions of this chapter have or have not been complied with, or that the permittee or applicant is or is not a fit or proper person to be in charge of or operate a taxicab as may be determined by the rules and regulations of the City Council now in effect, or herein adopted pertaining to the operation of or to the extent, character and quality of the service of any such taxicab.

(Prior code § 18.77)

All permits issued under the provisions of this chapter shall be for a period not to exceed one year and all permits shall expire one year from the date of issue. (Prior code § 18.78)

Each permit issued under the provisions of this chapter shall entitle the holder thereof to obtain a license from the City Clerk to engage in the business described in the permit upon the payment of the license fee set by resolution for each taxicab. The license fees shall be paid annually, and the clerk shall issue to the holder a license setting forth the kind of transportation for which such license is issued and the year when issued.

(Prior code § 18.79)

No taxicab or automobile for hire shall be operated from any place on the public streets except a taxicab stand designated by a permit and as approved by the Police Department, or from a public or private garage or parking lot.

(Prior code § 18.80)

A permit fee as set by resolution shall be collected annually for each taxicab stand allowed on the public streets of the City.

(Prior code § 18.81)

No person shall charge, collect, demand or receive or arrange for any compensation for the service of any taxicab for hire in the City, used for the conveyance of passengers, any amount, rate or compensation greater than the charges or rates submitted to and approved by the City Council.

(Prior code § 18.82)