(A) Any person engaged in the occupation of driving taxicabs, automobiles or other vehicles for hire for the purpose of transporting persons, except public buses operated under franchise, shall pay an annual license fee in the amount specified in Section 868.01. Such fee shall include the cost of a photograph and fingerprints to be taken by the City License Clerk. The photograph shall have the driver's name and address attached hereto and shall be conspicuously displayed in the vehicle. The licensee shall comply with the provisions of these Codified Ordinances and all ordinances or laws governing the operation of taxicabs and motor vehicles now or hereafter in effect.
(B) The Chief of Police or his designee shall approve or disapprove all applications for licensing required under subsection (A) hereof. Grounds for refusal of a license are as follows:
(1) The applicant has been convicted of a theft offense within one year.
(2) The applicant has been convicted of a felony theft offense within three years.
(3) The applicant has been convicted of a drug sale offense; no time limit.
(4) The applicant has been convicted of a drug abuse offense within one year.
(5) The applicant has been convicted of operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of drugs or alcohol or being in physical control of a motor vehicle while under the influence of drugs or alcohol within the past two years.
(6) The applicant has been convicted of a sexual assault offense; no time limit.
(7) Any person who has a lengthy or diverse criminal record who, in the opinion of the Chief or his designee, should not be issued a taxicab driver's license.
(8) For any person whose convictions fall within the above guidelines, the date of conviction shall be deemed to be the later of the actual date of conviction or his release from incarceration resulting from the conviction.
(9) The Chief of Police or his designee is hereby authorized and empowered to establish such additional rules and regulations covering the issuance of taxicab driver's licenses, not inconsistent herewith, as may be necessary and reasonable.
(Ord. 170-91. Passed 7-8-91; Ord. 259-17. Passed 10-23-17.)