§ 32-74. Vehicle requirements and inspections.

(a)

The city shall, through regulation, establish requirements for size, age, condition and accessories for taxicabs used by permit holders.

(b)

The city shall inspect each taxicab before it is placed in service and at other times when determined to be necessary, for compliance with this article. No taxicab shall be operated which does not comply with all of the following standards and requirements:

(1)

Meet minimum state safety standards and have a current state inspection sticker.

(2)

The interior of each taxicab shall be reasonably clean with no noticeable accumulation of dirt, rubbish or clutter. The seats, floor, dash board and any other area within the interior of the vehicle will be clear of any items not required by this chapter. The trunk area will be clean and provide adequate space to accommodate baggage. All portions of the interior upholstery (including, but not limited to seat coverings, door panels, head liner, floor coverings and trim) must match in color and be free of tears, holes, cracks or other damage. Any missing, broken or significantly damaged interior parts (including, but not limited to, dash board, door handles, window cranks, arm rests and seat supports) must be repaired or replaced.

(3)

The exterior and interior paint shall not be rusted, flaked, scraped or discolored. Any interior or exterior paint damage must be repaired. Vinyl tops will be free of tears, holes, cracks and the color must not be discolored. Any damage must be repaired or replaced.

(4)

Vehicles will have matching wheel covers or wheels. Any missing or damaged body molding or trim must be repaired or replaced. Any ripped or torn body parts must be repaired or replaced. Any body part dent that covers an area of five (5) square inches or more must be repaired.

(5)

Any cracked or damaged side and rear windows or mirrors must be repaired or replaced.

(6)

Each vehicle shall be equipped with a one-quart chemical type fire extinguisher mounted in the front seat area in reach of the driver.

(7)

Each vehicle shall be equipped with operational air conditioning and heating systems.

(8)

Each vehicle shall be mechanically sound, free of any oil or fluid leaks from the engine, transmission or brakes. The vehicle's exhaust system shall be free of holes, excessive noise or emission of excessive fumes. Each vehicle shall be equipped with a spare tire, jack and lug nut wrench.

(9)

City will charge an annual inspection fee of thirty dollars ($30.00).

(10)

No vehicle(s) which are more than fifteen (15) years old at the time they are placed into service may be used as taxicab vehicles. The age of the vehicle shall be calculated from the first day of January of the model year.

(a)

Same requirement applies when replacing vehicle(s). Replacement vehicle(s) shall not be more than (15) years old at the time they are placed into service.

For purpose of this article, changes shall take effect two (2) years after being approved by city council.

(c)

If a holder fails to make a taxicab available for inspection or if the city determines that a taxicab is not in compliance, the city manager or the authorized representative may order the taxicab removed from service until it is made available for inspection and brought into compliance.

(d)

Taxicab meters shall be installed on top of dashboard for clear visibility to all passengers on board.

(Ord. No. 84-114, § 2(32.59), 7-17-84; Ord. No. 92-103, § 1, 5-26-92; Ord. No. 98-282, § 1, 11-2-98; Ord. No. 2006-O-037, § 1, 2-21-06; Ord. No. 2007-O-241, § 1, 11-19-07; Ord. No. 2012-O-030, § 1, 2-21-12; Ord. No. 2012-O-141, § 1, 9-17-12)