(A) Where a private tow operator lawfully tows or removes a motor vehicle:
(1) Parked in a private parking lot in a manner inconsistent with posted instructions; and
(2) Pursuant to a contract between the owner of the private parking lot and the tow operator for the removal of any such improperly parked motor vehicles; and
(3) With the express approval required under § 115.453 of this subchapter, the private tow operator may collect the following charges from the owner or lienholder of the motor vehicle, payable before the vehicle is released:
(a) Charges for a standard vehicle: up to but not more than $138 for removal and the first 24 hours of storage, and up to but not more than $25 per calendar day for storage thereafter. In addition to the towing charges, private tow operators may charge an additional fee up to $27 per vehicle for a vehicle transported by a dolly type platform. Dolly fees shall not be allowed if a dolly is not needed to tow the vehicle.
(b) Charges for a medium duty vehicle: up to but not more than $280 for removal and the first 24 hours of storage, and up to but not more than $50 per calendar day for storage thereafter.
(c) Charges for a tractor trailer vehicle: up to but not more than $500 for removal and the first 24 hours of storage, and up to but not more than $100 per calendar day for storage thereafter.
(d) A private tow operator may not charge a calendar day for storage for days that the private tow operator or the storage facility to which the private tow operator has taken the motor vehicle is not open for the motor vehicle to be released.
(B) A private tow operator may not charge any fees beyond those set forth in subsection (A) of this section to release a motor vehicle properly impounded from a private parking lot.
(C) (1) If the private impound tow truck operator has lawfully fully hooked up and physically raised the vehicle to normal transportation height in accordance with the requirements and provisions of this ordinance, but has not yet towed or removed the motor vehicle from the private parking lot before the vehicle operator returns to the vehicle, then the private tow operator may charge one-half of the fee authorized by subsection (A)(3) of this section to release the motor vehicle.
(2) Private tow operators shall not hook up occupied motor vehicles. Any occupied motor vehicle that has been hooked up shall be immediately lowered and released. If the motor vehicle was improperly parked and the private tow operator was lawfully authorized to remove the motor vehicle pursuant to this ordinance, then the private tow operator shall be entitled to collect one-half of the fee authorized by subsection (A)(3) of this section.
(D) A private tow operator shall not move any motor vehicle to any intermediate place of storage, or to any location other than to the registered secure storage yard of a private impound tow truck service, unless specifically requested by the owner or custodian of said vehicle.
(Lou. Metro Ord. No. 169-2021, approved 11-16-2021)