(a) It is unlawful for any charter/sightseeing licensee to display any advertising sign or device on or in a licensed charter/sightseeing vehicle before the advertising sign or device is approved by the Commissioner and permitted pursuant to the elements specified in this section and rules promulgated thereunder.
(b) Charter/sightseeing licensees or licensed advertisement vendors may apply for permits to display an advertising sign or device on the exterior or the interior of the vehicle, or both. Separate permits are required for each exterior and interior advertising display. The Commissioner shall promulgate rules: (1) specifying the locations on the charter/sightseeing vehicle where advertising signs or devices may be displayed; (2) describing the permissible design, construction, and method of affixing the display to the vehicle; and (3) specifying insurance requirements for approving a permit to display an advertising sign or device on or in the charter/sightseeing vehicle. The rules also may include additional guidelines for such displays and the permit process. In establishing such criteria, considerations shall include:
(1) visual clutter and aesthetics on the public way;
(2) the safety and comfort of passengers, drivers, pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorists;
(3) the visibility of all information required by this chapter, Department rules, or other laws to be displayed on the interior or exterior of charter/sightseeing vehicles, including, but not limited to, vehicle numbers, ownership indicia, lights, and safety signals;
(c) The Department shall inform applicants for an advertising display permit under this section whether the application is approved or disapproved within thirty business days after its receipt of the completed application, unless it gives the applicant written notice that it needs an additional thirty business days and the reasons therefor. If the application is approved and the requirements of subsections (d) and (e) complied with, the Department shall issue an advertising display permit. If the Department denies the permit application, it shall provide written notice of its decision within such time period, stating the specific grounds and rules that form the basis for such denial. If the Department fails to so act within thirty business days after receipt of the application, or sixty business days if it has given advance notice of the need for an additional review period, the application shall be deemed granted and the permit shall be issued, provided that the permit fee has been paid.
(d) The fee for the issuance of any interior or exterior advertising display permit shall be $100.00 for each display, due at time of application. This fee shall be in addition to the personal property lease transaction tax that applies to lease or rental payments pursuant to Chapter 3-32. An advertising display permit applicant shall have satisfied all debt, as defined in Section 4-4-150, to the City before the Department may issue the permit.
(e) Where the Commissioner has by rule approved any type of advertising display device that involves the installation of a physical apparatus on or in the charter/sightseeing vehicle, an inspection is required as part of the advertising permitting process. The fee for such inspection shall be an additional $100.00, due prior to inspection by the person or entity installing the advertising display device on or in the charter/sightseeing vehicle.
(f) An advertising permit issued under this section shall expire one year after the date of issue, unless sooner surrendered, revoked, or terminated.
(g) No permit for advertising issued pursuant to this section shall be transferred or assigned.
(h) The denial, rescission, suspension, or revocation of a license issued pursuant to this chapter shall act as the suspension or revocation of any advertising permit issued hereunder to the affected charter/sightseeing vehicles.
(i) Each licensee to whom a permit is issued under this section shall maintain complete and accurate records of all revenues received from the display of any advertising sign or device. Each such licensee shall submit to the Commissioner, upon request, an affidavit in such form as may be required by the Commissioner, stating the gross revenues received by the licensee from the display of any advertising sign or device, and any other financial information that the Commissioner may determine is relevant in monitoring advertising revenues.
(Added Coun. J. 1-18-12, p. 19118, § 2; Amend Coun. J. 11-14-18, p. 90376, Art. IV, § 7; Amend Coun. J. 6-25-21, p. 31925, Art. VI, § 7)