Chapter 5.16
TAXICABS
Sections:
Article I. Drivers’ Licenses
5.16.020 Applicant requirements.
5.16.030 Application requirements.
5.16.040 City council action on applications.
5.16.060 Suspension or revocation – Hearing.
Article II. Vehicle License
5.16.080 Insurance required for issuance.
5.16.090 Application requirements – Limiting number of vehicles.
5.16.110 Condition of vehicles – Inspection requirements.
Article I. Drivers’ Licenses
5.16.010 Required.
It is declared to be essential to the public interests that no person shall be authorized or permitted to operate a taxicab within the corporate limits of the city of Sultan, unless such person is the holder of a valid taxicab license issued by the city of Sultan. (Ord. 298 § 1(a), 1968)
5.16.020 Applicant requirements.
Such a license shall be issued only to persons of the age of at least 25 years, who are experienced, able and careful motor vehicle drivers, and are of good moral character and reputation. (Ord. 298 § 1(b), 1968)
5.16.030 Application requirements.
A. Applicants for such a license shall sign an application therefor in the office of the city clerk/treasurer, and shall deposit therewith the sum of $15.00, to be applied on the license fee, if issued.
B. All such applications shall be referred, first, to the city marshal, who shall require the photograph and fingerprints of such applicant to be taken, and shall make an investigation to determine the qualifications of the applicant for such a license. (Ord. 298 § 1(c), 1968)
5.16.040 City council action on applications.
A. The city marshal shall, within a reasonable time after receiving such application, return the same to the city council with his written recommendations, either approving or rejecting the same.
B. If the application is not approved, the reason, or reasons for such disapproval shall be set forth in writing and delivered to the city council for its consideration at its next regular meeting. (Ord. 298 § 1(d), 1968)
5.16.050 Term – Fee.
A. All licenses so issued shall expire on the thirty-first day of December in the year in which the license is issued.
B. The annual license fee shall be the sum of $15.00, payable in advance, and in the event such application is rejected, the deposit made at the time of filing the application shall be retained by the city of Sultan to cover the expenses of investigation. (Ord. 298 § 1(e), 1968)
5.16.060 Suspension or revocation – Hearing.
A. If at any time the city marshal finds that any person holding such a license has been convicted of a violation of any federal or state criminal law, or any ordinance of the city of Sultan indicating that such licensee is no longer of good moral character and reputation, or a careful and experienced driver, the city marshal shall forthwith make a written report of his findings to the city council, and shall make recommendations as to the suspension or revocation of such license.
B. The city council shall, before acting thereon, set a date for hearing upon the matter, and notify the licensee, in writing, of such date of hearing, and of the contents of such report, at least 10 days in advance thereof.
C. Such license may be suspended or revoked for such time and on such terms as shall be imposed by majority vote of the members of the council present at such hearing. (Ord. 298 § 1(f), 1968)
Article II. Vehicle License
5.16.070 Required.
No taxicab shall be operated for calls originating within the corporate limits of the city of Sultan unless the owner thereof has first secured a taxicab license from the city and filed with the city clerk/treasurer his proposed rates and charges, and posted a copy thereof in a conspicuous place within said taxicab, the same to have been first approved by the city council. (Ord. 298 § 2(a), 1968)
5.16.080 Insurance required for issuance.
No such license shall be issued for any taxicab until proof has been filed with the city clerk/treasurer that the owner thereof carried public liability and property damage insurance thereon in amounts of $60,000 and $5,000, respectively. (Ord. 298 § 2(b), 1968)
5.16.090 Application requirements – Limiting number of vehicles.
A. Application shall be made in writing for such a license to the city clerk/treasurer, giving the full name and address of the owner thereof; the passenger-carrying capacity and type of such vehicle.
B. The city council reserves the right to limit the number of taxicab vehicles to be operated within the city of Sultan to such number as it may find appropriate to serve the needs of its residents. (Ord. 298 § 2(c), 1968)
5.16.100 Fee.
The annual license fee for each taxicab vehicle shall be prorated when purchased after March 1st of any year. (Ord. 298 § 2(d), 1968)
5.16.110 Condition of vehicles – Inspection requirements.
A. All taxicabs so licensed shall be kept in good mechanical and sanitary condition, and shall be subject to inspection at all times under the direction of the city marshal of the city of Sultan.
B. Failure to comply with any of his orders in connection with such inspection shall constitute cause for suspension or revocation of the license of such vehicle. (Ord. 298 § 2(e), 1968)
5.16.120 Violation – Penalty.
Any person convicted of a violation of any section or subsection of this chapter shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and punished by a fine not to exceed $100.00 or imprisonment in the city jail for a period not to exceed 30 days, or by both such fine and imprisonment, in addition to the provisions contained in this chapter for suspension or revocation of licenses issued under the provisions of this chapter. (Ord. 298 § 3, 1968)