(a) It is unlawful for any low-speed electric public passenger vehicle licensee to display any advertising sign or device on or in such 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) Low-speed electric public passenger vehicle licensees or licensed advertising vendors may apply for permits to display an advertising sign or device on or in the vehicle. Separate permits are required for each advertising display. The Commissioner shall promulgate rules: (1) specifying the locations on the 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 vehicle. The rules also may include additional guidelines for such displays and the permit process. In establishing such criteria, considerations shall include:
(i) visual clutter and aesthetics on the public way;
(ii) the safety and comfort of passengers, low-speed electric public passenger vehicle chauffeurs, pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorists; and
(iii) the visibility of all information required by this chapter, Department rules, or any other law to be displayed on the interior or exterior of low-speed electric public passenger vehicles, including, but not limited to, identifying numbers, ownership indicia, lights, and safety signals.
(c) The fee for the issuance of any 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 of the Code. 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.
(d) When the Commissioner has approved any type of advertising display device that involves the installation of a physical apparatus, the installation of the physical apparatus must pass inspection prior to issuance of the permit. The fee for such inspection shall be $100.00, due prior to the inspection.
(e) 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 applicant is in compliance with subsections (c) and (d), 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, or within sixty business days if it has given notice of the need for an additional review period, after receipt of the application, the application shall be deemed granted and the permit shall be issued, provided that the permit fee has been paid.
(f) An advertising permit issued under this section shall expire one year after the date of issue, unless it is surrendered, revoked, or terminated prior to that date.
(g) No permit for advertising issued pursuant to this section shall be transferred or assigned.
(h) The denial, rescission, suspension, or revocation of a low-speed electric public passenger vehicle license issued pursuant to this chapter shall act as the suspension or revocation of any advertising permit issued hereunder to the affected vehicle.
(Added Coun. J. 6-25-21, p. 31925, Art. VI, § 7)