(A) It is unlawful for any public passenger vehicles licensed pursuant to this chapter to display any advertising sign or device, except as permitted by this section.
(B) Taxicab licensees may apply for permits to display advertising on the exterior only of the vehicle. The Board of Public Safety shall designate its Taxi Inspector to enforce and promulgate regulations specifying the locations on the taxicab where advertising may be displayed, as well as describing the permissible design, construction and method of affixing the display to the vehicle and 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 and other motorists;
(3) The visibility of all information required by this chapter to be displayed on the exterior of taxicabs, including but not limited to vehicle numbers, ownership indicia, dome light and availability signal.
(C) The Taxi Inspector shall inform applicants for an advertising display permit under this section whether the application is approved or disapproved within 30 business days after its receipt of the completed application, unless the Taxi Inspector gives the applicant written notice, sent in compliance with Indiana Trial Rules, that an additional 30 days is needed to make the determination and set forth the reasons. If the application is approved, the Taxi Inspector shall issue an advertising display permit. If the Taxi Inspector denies the permit application, the Taxi Inspector shall provide written notice, sent in compliance with Indiana Trial Rules, of the decision within such time period, stating the specific grounds and regulations that form the basis for such denial. If the Taxi Inspector fails to act within 30 business days after receipt of the application, or 60 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. The Taxi Inspector has the final authority to determine the type, scope and content of the submitted advertising.
(D) Where the Taxi Inspector has by rule approved any type of advertising display device that involves the installation of a physical apparatus on the public passenger vehicle, an inspection of the initial installation of such device is required.
(E) An exterior advertising permit issued under this section shall expire one year after the date of issue, unless sooner surrendered, revoked or terminated.
(F) No permit for exterior advertising issued pursuant to this section shall be transferred or assigned.
(G) The suspension or revocation of a 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 public passenger vehicles.
(Ord. G-7-10, passed 6-22-10; Am. Ord. G-9-16, passed 7-12-16)