(a) It is unlawful to display any advertising sign or device on scooters deployed by any licensee 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) A scooter sharing licensee or a licensed advertising vendor may apply for permits to display an advertising sign or device on scooters deployed by the licensee. A separate permit is required for each advertising display. The Commissioner shall promulgate rules: (1) specifying the locations on scooters where advertising signs or devices may be displayed; (2) describing the permissible design, construction, and method of affixing the display to the scooter; and (3) specifying insurance requirements for approving a permit to display an advertising sign or device on scooters. 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; and
(3) the visibility of all information required by this chapter, Department rules, or other laws to be displayed on scooters.
(c) The fee for the issuance of any advertising display permit shall be $100.00 for each display, due at the 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.
(d) When the Commissioner has approved any type of advertising display device that involves the installation of a physical apparatus on scooters, a prototype inspection is required as part of the advertising permitting process. The fee for such inspection shall be an additional $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 scooter sharing license issued pursuant to this chapter shall act as the suspension or revocation of any advertising permit issued hereunder affecting the licensee's scooters.
(Added Coun. J. 10-14-21, p. 37486, § 1)