§ 78-5. Business license or franchise required for all vehicles for hire.

(a)

Before any person shall conduct or maintain a business of renting, leasing or providing any vehicle for hire within the territorial boundaries of the city as set forth in section 2.01 of the Charter, entitled "Boundaries," such person shall, as applicable make application with, and receive from, (i) the city manager for a license, or, (ii) the city commission for a franchise, to operate such business. The pickup of a passenger for compensation within the territorial boundaries of the city shall constitute conducting or maintaining such a business. The application shall conform to all applicable requirements of this chapter and shall state the exact location of the intended place of business and any intermediate or way stations. No such business shall be conducted or maintained unless such license or franchise is duly issued, upon fees paid, in conformance with this chapter, as applicable, and unless the applicant has caused to be executed and shall maintain in full force and effect a liability insurance policy for each vehicle in amounts as prescribed in this chapter, the terms of which shall provide protection for all persons or property suffering injury, damage or loss because of the negligent operation of such vehicle by any person.

(b)

The operation of a vehicle for hire within the territorial boundaries of the city is prohibited unless the vehicle is:

(1)

Licensed as a contract vehicle for hire;

(2)

Engaged in motor transportation of passengers which is within the stream of interstate commerce within the scope of 49 CFR 1047.45;

(3)

Licensed as a sightseeing motor vehicle operating pursuant to a business license under article IV of this chapter, or licensed as a sightseeing motor vehicle operating pursuant to a franchise under article V of this chapter; or

(4)

Licensed as a passenger vehicle for hire pursuant to sections 78-4, 78-31, 78-32 and 78-64 and divisions 3, 4 and 5 of article II of this chapter.

(c)

Both a passenger vehicle for hire and a contract vehicle for hire are limited to a maximum capacity of 14 passengers. Any vehicle for hire with a capacity in excess of 14 passengers is prohibited to conduct business on the city streets, unless it is a sightseeing motor vehicle operated pursuant to business license, a vehicle in the stream of interstate commerce, a city-operated bus, or a sightseeing motor vehicle operated pursuant to franchise.

(d)

Operating a vehicle for hire without a license shall be punishable pursuant to section 1-15.

(Ord. No. 09-23, § 2, 12-3-2009)