§ 5.72.090. Taxicab drivers—Permits.

A.

No person shall drive or operate any taxicab in the city without having first obtained a permit in writing to do so from the chief of police or any person designated by him or her. Such permit issued will entitle the driver to work only for those persons whose names appear on the permit. A new permit will be required for each subsequent employment; provided, however, no application shall be necessary other than a ratification of change of employment.

B.

Applicants for such permits shall file applications therefor with the chief of police. The application shall contain the following information, together with a fee, as established by resolution of the city council, and pictures of the applicant:

1.

The name, age, and last previous address; and

2.

The names and addresses to two residents of the city acquainted with the applicant.

Each application shall be accompanied by a certificate from a reputable physician certifying that in his or her opinion the applicant is not inflicted with any disease or infirmity which might make him or her an unsafe or unsatisfactory driver.

C.

No permit shall be issued and a permit theretofore granted shall be revoked:

1.

If the applicant is under twenty-one (21) years of age;

2.

If the applicant has not resided in the county sixty (60) days immediately prior to filing;

3.

If the applicant does not possess a valid Class C driver's license issued by the state;

4.

If the applicant is a reckless driver or has been convicted of reckless driving or driving while under the influence of intoxicating liquor or narcotics;

5.

If the applicant is guilty or has been convicted of a felony or crime involving moral turpitude;

6.

If the applicant is not a fit and proper person to drive a taxicab; or

7.

If the applicant violates any provision of this chapter.

D.

All applicants for drivers' permits shall be fingerprinted; and their applications will then be considered by the chief of police and either granted or denied within thirty (30) days unless, for good cause, time for further consideration is needed. Before any application is finally passed upon, the police department shall conduct an investigation of the applicant.

E.

Upon the approval of an application, the chief of police shall issue a driver's permit to the applicant, which permit shall bear the name, address, race, and other identifying characteristics of the applicant, including the signature of the applicant. Such permit shall be fixed in a conspicuous place in the taxicab so as to be seen from the passengers' compartment.

F.

If a driver changes his or her employment to a different owner, he or she shall, within twenty-four (24) hours thereafter, notify the chief of police for the purpose of having his or her driver's permit changed so as to properly designate the name of the new employer.

G.

When issued, the driver's permit shall be valid for one year from the date of issuance, unless the permit has been revoked for any of the causes set forth in this section. The driver, in making an application for a renewal of this permit, shall follow the same procedure as set forth in making his or her original application, except he or she shall not be fingerprinted or be required to furnish a photograph. The applicant shall pay the fee, as established by resolution of the city council, for the issuance of the renewal permit.

(Ord. 556 § 2J, 2004; Prior code § 5-10.09)