No person shall engage in, conduct or carry on the business of operating a taxicab service, where such service originates in the city, without first having obtained a franchise and taxicab vehicle permit(s) issued under the provisions of Chapter 5.08 of this title. The city council shall issue one exclusive franchise for taxicab services within the city, to assure reliable, safe and quality taxicab service to city residents, and to eliminate undue congestion, disorganization and hazards associated with a deregulated taxicab environment. Upon issuance of one franchise, which franchise shall be exclusive and shall be applied for, granted, and in effect, all in compliance with the provisions of this chapter, the city shall not accept new or renewal applications for permits to operate a taxicab service. It shall be unlawful for any person other than the franchisee to engage in the business of operating or causing to be operated any taxicab service within the city, except that existing permits to operate a taxicab service will remain valid until their expiration.
(Ord. 823 § 1 (part), 2004)