(A) It shall be unlawful for anyone to operate or cause to be operated a taxicab which is mechanically unsafe or in such a deteriorated condition as to render it unfit for passenger use.
(B) It shall be unlawful for anyone to operate or cause to be operated a taxicab which is not licensed pursuant to this chapter.
(C) No taxicab shall be licensed until it has been thoroughly and carefully inspected and examined by the Director of Public Safety or his designee, and found to be in a condition thoroughly safe for the transportation of passengers, clean, fit, of good appearance and in compliance with the criteria set forth in the city inspection form.
(D) If a complaint is received about any taxicab or if any taxicab is found to be in such a condition as would be detrimental to the safety or welfare of passengers or otherwise in violation of the requirements of this chapter, the Director of Public Safety or his designee may order such taxicab to be inspected. Such inspection shall be conducted by the Director of Public Safety or his designee to address the specific complaint or violation observed. Such inspections shall be performed on the next available business day or as soon as practicable after the complaint or violation is found. If, during such inspection, other violations are observed, the Director of Public Safety or his designee may order a complete inspection of the taxicab to insure that such vehicle complies with the requirements of this chapter and is fit for the transportation of passengers. The taxicab shall be removed from service until the inspection is performed and any repairs ordered pursuant to the inspection are completed.
(E) In addition to the required initial inspection, each taxicab shall be inspected at least semiannually. One such semiannual inspection shall be completed at the time the licensee submits a renewal application to the City Clerk, being December 15. The other semiannual inspection shall be completed no later than June 30. Such inspections shall be performed by duly qualified and licensed mechanics approved by the Director of Public Safety or his designee. Upon completion of such inspections, a report shall be submitted to the City Clerk by the mechanic, which certifies that the vehicle is in good repair and safe for the transportation of passengers. Upon submission of such certification, the City Clerk shall provide the licensee with a current inspection sticker to be displayed in the taxicab at all times in a conspicuous place.
(F) The inspection of taxicabs shall be based upon the criteria set forth in the city inspection form, which may be obtained from the City Clerk. The inspection shall include, but not be limited to, the following standards: adequate seating for the number of passengers to be transported; a clean interior in a good state of repair and appearance, free of litter, trash, garbage, residue and offensive odors, and equipped with floor mats of rubber, leather, metal chain or similar non-absorbent, washable material which can be easily cleaned; no external body damage or protruding parts which could cause a hazard to pedestrians, passengers, or other vehicles, objects or things; no body damage of such extent as would significantly detract from its appearance to the public on city streets. Any person inspecting a taxicab pursuant to this chapter shall complete the city inspection form for each taxicab inspected and shall certify that the information contained on the form is true and accurate. The city inspection form shall be attached to the records kept by the City Clerk for the taxicab inspected.
(G) Failure to obtain the required inspections and failure to submit the inspection reports to the City Clerk shall be violations of this chapter.
(Ord. 8242, passed 4-2-02; amend. Ord. 8373, passed 6-1-04) Penalty, see § 10.99