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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2001-094S \Our Documents\Ordinances\Offaxi OrdmanceDenton 1 doc ORDINANCE NO Ml - D AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF DENTON, TEXAS AMENDING CHAPTER 27 RE- LATING TO VEHICLES FOR HIRE BY DELETING ARTICLE III TITLED TAXICABS IN ITS ENTIRETY, CREATING ARTICLE VI TITLED TAXICABS, LIMOUSINES, AND SHUTTLES, PROVIDING A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE, A SAVINGS CLAUSE, PROVID- ING FOR A PENALTY NOT TO EXCEED $500 FOR VIOLATIONS OF THIS ORDINANCE, AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DENTON, TEXAS HEREBY ORDAINS SECTION 1 That Chapter 27 "Vehicles for Hire" of the Code of Ordinances of Denton, Texas is hereby amended by deleting Article III of Chapter 27 titled "Taxicabs " SECTION 2 That Chapter 27 "Vehicles for Hire" of the Code of Ordinances of Denton, Texas is hereby amended by creating Article VI of Chapter 27 titled "Taxicabs, Limousines, and Shuttles" to read as follows Chapter 27 ARTICLE VI TAXICABS, LIMOUSINES, AND SHUTTLES PART A GENERAL PROVISIONS Sec 27-151 Statement of policy Sec 27-152 General authority and duty of Director Sec 27-153 Exclusions Sec 27-154 Definitions PART B OPERATING AUTHORITY Sec 27-155 Operating authority required Sec 27-156 Transferability of operating authority Sec 27-157 Annual permit required, service requirements Sec 27-158 Qualification for operating authority Sec 27-159 Application for annual permit Sec 27-160 Annual permit -Investigation of application and approval Sec 27-161 Temporary permit, application, purposes Sec 27-162 Reciprocal agreement Sec 27-163 Grant of permit Sec 27-164 Renewal of annual permit Denton City Code S \Our Documents\Ordinances\Offaxi OrdinanceDenton 1 doc Sec 27-165 Amendment, suspension, and revocation of operating authority Sec 27-166 Permit fees Sec 27-167 Number of taxicabs authorized Sec 27-168 Special provisions of operating authority PART C TAXICAB, LIMOUSINE, AND SHUTTLE DRIVER'S LICENSE Sec 27-169 Taxicab, limousine, or shuttle driver's license required Sec 27-170 Qualification for taxicab, limousine, or shuttle driver's license Sec 27-171 Application, fee Sec 27-172 Investigation of application Sec 27-173 Issuance and denial Sec 27-174 Expiration of taxicab, limousine, or shuttle driver's license, voidance upon sus- pension or revocation of state driver's license Sec 27-175 Provisional license Sec 27-176 Probationary license Sec 27-177 Duplicate license Sec 27-178 Display of license Sec 27-179 Suspension by designated representative Sec 27-180 Suspension and revocation Sec 27-181 Appeal Sec 27-182 Falsifying of a license Sec 27-183 Current mailing address of licensee PART D MISCELLANEOUS HOLDER AND DRIVER REGULATIONS Sec 27-184 Holder's and driver's duty to comply Sec 27-185 Holder's duty to enforce compliance by Drivers Sec 27-186 Driver as independent contractor See 27-187 Insurance Sec 27-188 Apparel to be worn by drivers Sec 27-189 Driver's daily manifest Sec 27-190 Holder's records and reports Sec 27-191 Taxicab monthly summary of meter readings PART E SERVICE REGULATIONS Sec 27-192 City-wide taxicab service required Sec 27-193 Representation of availability of taxicab Sec 27-194 Refusal to convey passengers by taxicabs Sec 27-195 Passenger limitations of taxicabs Sec 27-196 Carry passengers by direct route Denton City Code 2 S \Our Documents\Ordinances\01\Taxi OrdmanceDenton 1 doc Sec 27-197 Solicitation of passengers by taxicabs Sec 27-198 Regulations for use of taxicab stands Sec 27-199 Conduct of drivers Sec 27-200 Return of passenger's property Sec 27-201 Establishment of taxicab stands Sec 27-202 Service regulations for business establishments requesting taxicabs for customers PART F TAXICAB FARES See 27-203 Rates of taxicab fares Sec 27-204 Display of rate card by taxicabs Sec 27-205 Computation of fares for taxicabs Sec 27-206 Design and testing of taximeters, fees Sec 27-207 Taxicab fare collection procedures PART G VEHICLES AND EQUIPMENT Sec 27-208 False representation as taxicab Sec 27-209 Vehicle requirements and inspections Sec 27-210 Taxicab age limits Sec 27-211 Required equipment for taxicabs Sec 27-212 Taxicab color scheme and distinctive markings Sec 27-213 Required taxicab identification Sec 27-214 Taxicab display receptacle Sec 27-215 Taxicab decals Sec 27-216 Not -for -hire status of taxicabs Sec 27-217 Removal of equipment from taxicabs PART H ENFORCEMENT Sec 27-218 Authority to inspect Sec 27-219 Removal of evidence of authorization Sec 27-220 Enforcement by police department Sec 27-221 Correction order Sec 27-222 Service of notice Sec 27-223 Appeal Sec 27-224 Criminal offenses Denton City Code 3 S \Our Documents\0rdinances\01\Taxi OrdmanceDenton 1 doc PART A GENERAL PROVISIONS SEC. 27-151. STATEMENT OF POLICY. It is the policy of the City of Denton to provide for and to promote adequate and efficient taxicab, limousine, and shuttle service in the city To this end, this chapter provides for the regu- lation of taxicab, limousine, and shuttle rates and services, to be carved out in a manner that pro- tects the public health and safety, promotes the public convenience and necessity, and respects the concept of free enterprise SEC 27-152. GENERAL AUTHORITY AND DUTY OF DIRECTOR. The director shall implement and enforce this chapter as he determines necessary to dis- charge his duty under, or to effect the policy of this chapter SEC.27-153 EXCLUSIONS. This chapter does not apply to (1) the transportation of a person by taxicab, limousine, or shuttle licensed by another governmental entity from a point outside the city to a destination inside the city, if the taxicab, limousine, or shuttle leaves the city without receiving a passenger in- side the city, (2) a taxicab, limousine, or shuttle service operated under state or federal authority unless the service is subject to the city's regulatory authority, or (3) a motor vehicle used to transport persons for hire that is regulated by other city ordinance SEC.27-154 DEFINITIONS. The definition of a term in this section applies to each grammatical variation of the term In this chapter, unless the context requires a different definition (1) ALTERNATIVE FUEL means natural gas, liquefied petroleum gas, electricity, methanol or methanol/gasoline blends of 85 percent or greater, or ethanol or etha- nol/gasoline blends of 85 percent or greater (2) ANNUAL PERMIT means permission granted by the city to a person to operate a taxicab, limousine, or shuttle service inside the city for a period of one year, re- newable under the provisions of this chapter Denton City Code 4 S \Our Documents\Ordinances\01\Taxi OrdmanceDenton 1 doc (3) CONVICTION means a conviction in a federal court or a court of any state or foreign nation or political subdivision of a state or foreign nation that has not been reversed, vacated, or pardoned (4) DEPARTMENT means the department designated by the city manager to enforce and administer this chapter (5) DIRECTOR means the director of the department designated by the city manager to enforce and administer this chapter and includes representatives, agents, or de- partment employees designated by the director (6) DISPATCHING FACILITY means a fixed facility (A) at which requests for taxicab, limousine, or shuttle service are received, (B) from which drivers are notified, by radio or any other electronic commu- nication system, of requests for taxicab, limousine, or shuttle service, and (C) to which drivers communicate, by radio or any other electronic communi- cation system, their availability to provide the requested taxicab, limou- sine, or shuttle service Except when being operated from the permanent and established place of business required under Section 27-159 of this chapter, the term does not include any facil- ity from which the primary administrative operations of the taxicab, limousine, or shuttle service are conducted or at which taxicabs are parked, stored, repaired, or maintained (7) DRIVER means an individual who drives or operates a taxicab, limousine, or shuttle (8) HOLDER means a person who is granted an annual permit under this chapter If the context in which the term is used applies to operations under a temporary permit or reciprocal agreement the term "holder" includes a person who is granted a temporary permit or reciprocal agreement (9) LEGAL RESIDENT means a citizen of the United States or a person residing in the United States in accordance with federal immigration laws (10) LIMOUSINE means a motor vehicle that is a luxury sedan with a manufacturer's rated seating capacity of not more than 15 passengers that is used for the transpor- tation of persons from a location in the city to another location either inside or outside the city (11) OPERATE means to drive or to be in control of a taxicab, limousine, or shuttle Denton City Code S \Our Documents\0rdinances\01\Taxi OrdmanceDenton 1 doc (12) OPERATING AUTHORITY means an annual permit, temporary permit, or recip- rocal agreement granted under this chapter (13) OPERATOR means the driver of a taxicab, limousine, or shuttle, the owner of a taxicab, limousine, or shuttle, or the holder of a taxicab, limousine, and shuttle operating authority (14) OWNER means the person to whom state license plates for a vehicle were issued (15) PERSON means an individual, corporation, government or governmental subdivi- sion, or agency, trust, partnership, or two or more persons having a joint or com- mon economic interest (16) RECIPROCAL AGREEMENT means an agreement between the city and one or more political subdivisions to provide reciprocal operation of taxicabs, limou- sines, or shuttles (17) SHUTTLE means a van -type motor vehicle that has a manufacturer's rated seat- ing capacity of not less than seven passengers and not more than fifteen passen- gers and is used for the transportation of persons from a location in the city to an- other location either inside or outside the city (18) TAXICAB means a chauffeured motor vehicle with a rated passenger capacity of eight or less, used to transport persons for hire that typically operates on irregular routes, irregular schedules, and a call and demand basis, but not including limou- sines or special service vehicles (19) TAXICAB, LIMOUSINE, OR SHUTTLE DRIVER'S LICENSE means a license issued to an individual by the director authorizing that person to operate a taxicab, limousine, or shuttle in the city (20) TAXICAB, LIMOUSINE, OR SHUTTLE SERVICE means a passenger transpor- tation service operated for hire that uses taxicabs, limousines, or shuttles in the operation of the service and includes (but is not limited to) a facility from which the service is operated, taxicabs, limousines, or shuttles used in the operation, and a person who owns, controls, or operates the service (21) TAXICAB STAND means a public place reserved exclusively for use by taxi- cabs (22) TAXIMETER means a device that mechanically or electronically computes a fare based upon the distance traveled, the time the taxicab is engaged, and any other basis for charges which are specified in the operating authority or rate ordinance pertaining to the holder Denton City Code 6 S \Our Documents\Ordinances\01\Taxi OrdmanceDenton 1 doe (23) TEMPORARY PERMIT means permission granted by the city to a person to op- erate a taxicab, limousine, or shuttle service inside the city for a specified period of time less than one year PART B OPERATING AUTHORITY SEC 27-155. OPERATING AUTHORITY REQUIRED (a) A person may not operate a taxicab, limousine, or shuttle service inside the city without operating authority granted under this chapter, nor may a person transport a passenger for hire inside the city by taxicab, limousine, or shuttle unless the person driving the taxicab, limousine, or shuttle or another who employs or contracts with the driver has been granted oper- ating authority under this chapter (b) A person shall not engage or hire a taxicab, limousine, or shuttle which he knows does not have operating authority from the city SEC 27-156. TRANSFERABILITY OF OPERATING AUTHORITY. (a) An annual permit may not be transferred to another unless the holder files a wnt- ten application for the transfer in the manner and containing the information prescribed by the director, and the transfer application is approved by the director (b) A temporary permit or reciprocal agreement is not transferable SEC. 27-157. ANNUAL PERMIT REQUIRED; SERVICE REQUIREMENTS. (a) Before an annual permit is granted, the application for the annual permit must be approved by the director The granting of an annual permit is in the discretion of the director, but will not be granted unless (1) the proposed taxicab, limousine, or shuttle service is required by the public con- venience and necessity, and (2) the applicant qualifies for operating authority under Section 27-158 of this chapter and is otherwise fit, willing, and able to operate the taxicab, limousine, or shuttle service in accordance with the requirements of this chapter, rules and regulations of the director, provisions of the annual permit, and other applicable law (b) The holder of an annual taxicab permit must provide taxicab service as specified in the permit with a minimum of 3 taxicabs Denton City Code S \Our Documents\Ordinances\01\Tax1 OrdinanceDenton 1 doc SEC. 27-158. QUALIFICATION FOR OPERATING AUTHORITY (a) To qualify for operating authority, an applicant must (1) be at least 19 years of age, (2) be currently authorized to work full-time in the Umted States, (3) be able to communicate in the English language, and (4) not have been convicted or placed on probation or deferred adjudication for a crime (A) involving (1) criminal homicide as described in Chapter 19 of the Texas Penal Code, (n) kidnapping as described in Chapter 20 of the Texas Penal Code, (in) a sexual offense as described in Chapter 21 of the Texas Penal Code, (iv) an assaultive offense as described in Chapter 22 of the Texas Penal Code, other than a Class C misdemeanor, (v) robbery as described in Chapter 29 of the Texas Penal Code, (vi) burglary as described in Chapter 30 of the Texas Penal Code, (vn) theft as described in Chapter 31 of the Texas Penal Code, but only if the violation is punishable as a felony, (vur) fraud as described in Chapter 32 of the Texas Penal Code, (ix) tampering with a governmental record as described in Chapter 37 of the Texas Penal Code, (x) public Indecency (prostitution or obscenity) as described in Chap- ter 43 of the Texas Penal Code, (xi) the transfer, carrying, or possession of a weapon in violation of Chapter 46 of the Texas Penal Code, but only if the violation is punishable as a felony, Denton City Code 8 S \Our Documents\Ordinances\01\Tax1 OrdinanceDenton 1 doe (xn) a violation of Chapter 483, Dangerous Drugs, of the Texas Health and Safety Code that is punishable as a felony, (xiii) a violation of the Controlled Substances Act , Chapter 481 of the Texas Health and Safety Code that is punishable as a felony, or (xiv) criminal attempt to commit any of the offenses listed in Subdivi- sion (4)(A)(1) through (xui) (B) for which (1) if the applicant was convicted for a misdemeanor offense, less than two years have elapsed since the date of conviction or the date of release from confinement imposed for the conviction, whichever is the later date, (ii) if the applicant was placed on probation or deferred adjudication for a misdemeanor offense, less than two years have elapsed since the date of successful completion of probation or deferred adjudi- cation, (in) if the applicant was convicted for a felony offense, less than five years have elapsed since the date of conviction or the date of re- lease from confinement for the conviction or the date of release from parole, whichever is the later date, (iv) if the applicant was placed on probation or deferred adjudication for a felony offense, less than five years have elapsed since the date of successful completion of probation or deferred adjudica- tion, (v) less than five years have elapsed since the date of the last convic- tion or the date of release from confinement for the last conviction, whichever is the later date, if, within any 24-month period, the ap- plicant has two or more convictions of any misdemeanor offense or combination of misdemeanor offenses, or (vi) less than five years have elapsed since the date of the successful completion of probation or deferred adjudication for the last of- fense, whichever is the later date, if, within any 24-month period, the applicant has been placed on probation or deferred adjudica- tion two or more times for any misdemeanor offense or combina- tion of misdemeanor offenses Denton City Code 9 S \Our Documents\Ordinances\01\Taxi OrdinanceDenton 1 doc (b) An applicant who has been sentenced for an offense listed in Subsection (a)(4), for which the required time period listed above has elapsed, may qualify for operating authority only if the director determines that the applicant is presently fit to provide a public transportation service and only if the offense or offenses the applicant was sentenced for was not a felony of- fense listed in Subsection (a)(4)(i)-(vi) In determining present fitness under this section, the di- rector shall consider the following (1) the extent and nature of the applicant's past criminal activity, (2) the age of the applicant at the time of the commission of the crime, (3) the amount of time that has elapsed since the applicant's last criminal activity, (4) the conduct and work activity of the applicant prior to and following the criminal activity, (5) evidence of the applicant's rehabilitation or rehabilitative effort while incarcerated or following release, and (6) other evidence of the applicant's present fitness, including letters of recommenda- tion from prosecution, law enforcement, and correctional officers who prosecuted, arrested, or had custodial responsibility for the applicant, the sheriff and chief of police in the community where the applicant resides, and any other persons in contact with the applicant (c) It is the responsibility of the applicant, to the extent possible, to secure and pro- vide to the director the evidence required to determine present fitness under Subsection (b) of this section SEC. 27-159. APPLICATION FOR ANNUAL PERMIT (a) To obtain an annual permit, a person shall make application to the director in the manner prescribed by this section The applicant must be the person who will own, control, or operate the proposed taxicab, limousine, or shuttle service An applicant shall file with the direc- tor a written, verified application statement, to be accompanied by a nonrefundable application fee of $150, containing the following (1) the form of business of the applicant and, if the business is a corporation or asso- ciation, a copy of the documents establishing the business and the name, address, and citizenship of each person with a direct interest in the business, (2) the name, address, and verified signature of the applicant, (3) an actual or pro forma statement and balance sheet showing the liabilities, and eq- uity of the business, Denton City Code 10 S \Our Documents\Ordinances\01\Taxi OrdinanceDenton 1 doc (4) a description of any past business experience of the applicant, particularly in pro- viding passenger transportation services, and an identification and description of any revocation or suspension of a permit held by the applicant or business before the date of filing the application (5) the number of vehicles and a description of the vehicles the applicant proposes to use in the operation of the taxicab, limousine, or shuttle service, and a description of the operations of the proposed taxicab, limousine, or shuttle service and the lo- cation of the fixed facilities to be used in the operation, (6) if the applicant is seeking a taxicab annual permit, a description of the proposed insignia and color scheme for the applicant's taxicabs and a description of the dis- tinctive item of apparel or item placed on the apparel to be worn by the appli- cant's taxicab drivers, (7) documentary evidence from an insurance company, authorized to do business in the State of Texas, indicating a willingness to provide liability insurance required by this chapter, (8) documentary evidence of payment of ad valorem taxes on the property to be used in connection with the operation of the proposed taxicab, limousine, or shuttle service, (9) proof of a permanent and established place of business within the City of Denton, the location of which complies with the Denton Development Code, from which the proposed taxicab, limousine, or shuttle service will be operated, which place of business may, but is not required to, include the dispatching facility for the taxicab, limousine, or shuttle service, (10) such additional information as the applicant desires to include to aid in the deter- mination of whether the requested operating authority should be granted, and (11) such additional information as the director considers necessary to assist or pro- mote the implementation or enforcement of this chapter or the protection of the public safety (b) A holder shall notify the director in writing of any change of address or change in ownership or management of a taxicab, limousine, or shuttle service not less than 10 days prior to the change (c) The established place of business required by Subsection (a)(9) of this section must be kept open from 9 00 a in to 5 00 p in weekdays, other than recognized holidays, and must be staffed and equipped to receive telephone calls during all business hours Denton City Code 11 S \Our Documents\Ordmances\Offaxi OrdmanceDenton 1 doc SEC 27-160. ANNUAL PERMIT - INVESTIGATION OF APPLICATION AND AP- PROVAL. (a) Upon receipt of an application for an annual permit the director shall conduct an investigation and make findings of fact concerning public convenience and necessity and other relevant factors, including, but not limited to (1) the number of taxicabs, limousines, or shuttles presently in operation in the city, (2) the public transportation needs of the city and the adequacy of existing transporta- tion services, including existing holders, to meet those needs, (3) whether existing holders can render the proposed additional taxicab, limousine, or shuttle service more efficiently or effectively than the applicant, (4) the effect of the proposed additional taxicab, limousine, or shuttle service on traf- fic conditions, taxicab drivers' working conditions and wages, and existing hold- ers and public mass transportation services, and (5) the character, experience, and fiscal responsibilities of the applicant (b) The applicant for an annual permit has the burden of proving that the public con- venience and necessity require the proposed taxicab, limousine, or shuttle service and that the applicant is qualified and financially able to provide the service proposed in the application SEC. 27-161. TEMPORARY PERMIT; APPLICATION, PURPOSES (a) To obtain a temporary permit, a person shall make application to the director Upon receipt of an application for a temporary permit, the director shall give reasonable notice to all holders of his consideration of the application (b) After the director considers the application, the director may issue a temporary permit for the purposes of (1) providing supplemental services during periods of extraordinary demand, or (2) to assess the feasibility of new technology or services (c) A temporary permit is not renewable SEC 27.162. RECIPROCAL AGREEMENT. Upon approval of the city council, the city manager may enter into a reciprocal agree- ment with one or more political subdivisions to provide reciprocal operation and mutual regula- Denton City Code 12 S \Our Documents\Ordinances\01\Taxi OrdmanceDenton 1 doe tion of taxicab, limousine, or shuttle services between the city and other political subdivisions The director shall give all holders reasonable notice of when a reciprocal agreement is to be considered by the city council SEC. 27-163. GRANT OF PERMIT. Upon approval of an application for an annual or temporary permit by the director , the director shall promptly issue the permit and incorporate in the permit the duration of the permit and such other terms or conditions as the director determines are necessary SEC 27-164 RENEWAL OF ANNUAL PERMIT (a) An annual permit is automatically renewed unless the director notifies the holder, before the renewal date, of an intention to recommend denial of the permit renewal based on a determination that (1) the holder is not in compliance with the permit or applicable provisions of this code, department regulations, or other law, or (2) the holder does not qualify for operating authority under Section 27-158 of this chapter or is otherwise not fit, willing, or able to continue to operate the taxicab, limousine, or shuttle service in accordance with the permit and applicable provi- sions of this code, department regulations, and other law, or (3) public convenience and necessity do not require the continued operation of the taxicab, limousine, or shuttle service (b) A holder desiring a change in the terms or conditions of the permit must file with the director, not fewer than 60 days before the permit expires, a written request stating reasons for the requested changes (c) Minor changes may be made in a permit by the director (d) If the director determines that a denial of a permit renewal or material change in the terms or conditions of the permit is required by public convenience and necessity, then he may deny renewal of the permit or make changes in the terms or conditions of the permit A holder may request a change in the terms or conditions of his permit and the director may grant the change if the change is required by public convenience and necessity (e) If the permit expires at no fault of the holder before a ruling on the approval or denial of the renewal, the holder may continue to operate the taxicab, limousine, or shuttle ser- vice pending a final decision The holder shall cease operation of the taxicab, limousine, or shut- tle service immediately upon denial of the request for renewal by the director Denton City Code 13 S \Our Documents\0rdinances\01\Taxi OrdmanceDenton 1 doc (f) A holder may file an appeal of the director's decision not to renew a permit in accordance with Section 27-181 of this ordinance SEC. 27-165. AMENDMENT, SUSPENSION, AND REVOCATION OF OPERATING AUTHORITY. (a) Suspension and revocation of permit The following regulations apply to the sus- pension or revocation of a temporary or annual permit (1) The director may suspend or revoke a permit if the director determines that the holder (A) failed to comply with a correction order issued to the holder by the direc- tor , within the time specified in the order, (B) intentionally or knowingly impeded the department or other law enforce- ment agency in the performance of its duty or execution of its authority, (C) failed to comply with this chapter, (D) does not qualify for operating authority under Section 27-158 of this chap- ter, (E) has been convicted of a violation of another city, state, or federal law, which violation reflects unfavorably on the fitness of the holder to perform a public transportation service, (F) is under indictment for or has been convicted of any felony offense while holding taxicab, limousine, or shuttle operating authority, (G) substantially breached the terms of the permit, (H) failed to pay city ad valorem taxes on any property of the holder used di- rectly or indirectly in connection with the taxicab, limousine, or shuttle service, or (I) failed to pay a permit fee at the time it was due (2) A suspension of a permit does not affect the expiration date of the permit (3) After revocation of a permit, a holder is not eligible for a permit for a period of two years (b) Reinstatement After suspension of a permit, a holder may file an appeal in ac- cordance with Section 27-181 of this chapter The director shall inspect the operation of the sus - Denton City Code 14 S \Our Documents\Ordinances\01\Taxi OrdmanceDenton 1 doc pended holder to determine if the deficiency causing the suspension has been corrected by the holder After inspection, the director shall submit his recommendation together with supporting facts to the city manager or his designee SEC. 27-166 PERMIT FEES (a) A holder of an annual permit shall pay the city a permit fee of $250 a year for each taxicab, limousine, or shuttle authorized by the permit or an amount stated in the permit The fee for a temporary permit is that which is stated in the permit A permit fee is payable in the manner and at the time prescribed by the permit (b) If a holder of an annual permit is licensed by another governmental entity, the permit fee shall be reduced to $100 a year for each taxicab, limousine, or shuttle SEC. 27-167. NUMBER OF TAXICABS AUTHORIZED The director may make studies and surveys concerning the public convenience and ne- cessity and may, from time to time, prescribe the number of taxicabs authorized for, and operated by a holder in order to adequately provide taxicab service in the city SEC 27-168. SPECIAL PROVISIONS OF OPERATING AUTHORITY This chapter governs the operation of taxicab, limousine, or shuttle service under each form of operating authority This chapter, however, is not a limitation on the power of the city council to mcorporate in a grant of operating authority special provisions relating to the opera- tion of the taxicab, limousine, or shuttle service under the grant To the extent that a special pro- vision conflicts with this chapter, the special provision controls PART C TAXICAB, LIMOUSINE, AND SHUTTLE DRIVER'S LICENSE SEC 27-169 TAXICAB, LIMOUSINE, OR SHUTTLE DRIVER'S LICENSE RE- QUIRED. (a) A person may not operate a taxicab, limousine, or shuttle inside the city without a valid taxicab, limousine, or shuttle driver's license issued to the person under this article, except when authorized in a reciprocal agreement (b) A holder or taxicab, limousine, or shuttle owner may not employ or contract with a driver or otherwise allow a person to drive for hire a taxicab, limousine, or shuttle owned, con- trolled, or operated by the holder or taxicab, limousine, or shuttle owner unless the person has a valid taxicab, limousine, or shuttle driver's license issued under this article, except when author- ized in a reciprocal agreement Denton City Code 15 S \Our Documents\Ordinances\01\Taxi OrdmanceDenton 1 doe SEC 27-170. QUALIFICATION FOR TAXICAB, LIMOUSINE, OR SHUTTLE DRIVER'S LICENSE. (a) To qualify for a taxicab, limousine, or shuttle driver's license, an applicant must (1) be at least 19 years of age, (2) be currently authorized to work full-time in the United States, (3) hold a valid driver's license issued by the State of Texas, (4) be able to communicate in the English language, (5) not be afflicted with a physical or mental disease or disability that is likely to pre- vent the applicant from exercising ordinary and reasonable control over a motor vehicle or that is likely to otherwise endanger the public health or safety, (6) not have been convicted of more than four moving traffic violations ansing out of separate transactions, or involved in more than two automobile accidents in which it could be reasonably determined that the applicant was at fault, within any 12- month period during the preceding 36 months, (7) not have been convicted or placed on probation or deferred adjudication for a crime (A) involving (i) criminal homicide as described in Chapter 19 of the Texas Penal Code, (n) kidnapping as described in Chapter 20 of the Texas Penal Code, (in) a sexual offense as described in Chapter 21 of the Texas Penal Code, (iv) an assaultive offense as described in Chapter 22 of the Texas Penal Code, other than a Class C misdemeanor, (v) robbery as described in Chapter 29 of the Texas Penal Code, (vi) burglary as described in Chapter 30 of the Texas Penal Code, (vu) theft as described in Chapter 31 of the Texas Penal Code, but only if the violation is punishable as a felony, Denton City Code 16 S \Our Documents\Ordmances\01\Taxi OrdinanceDenton 1 doc (vni) fraud as described in Chapter 32 of the Texas Penal Code, (ix) tampering with a governmental record as described in Chapter 37 of the Texas Penal Code, (x) public indecency (prostitution or obscenity) as described in Chap- ter 43 of the Texas Penal Code, (xi) the transfer, carrying, or possession of a weapon in violation of Chapter 46 of the Texas Penal Code, but only if the violation is punishable as a felony, (xii) a violation of Chapter 483, Dangerous Drugs, of the Texas Health and Safety Code that is punishable as a felony, (xni) a violation of the Controlled Substances Act , Chapter 481 of the Texas Health and Safety Code that is punishable as a felony, or (xiv) criminal attempt to commit any of the offenses listed in Subdivi- sion (7)(A)(i) through (xni) of this subsection, (B) for which (1) if the applicant was convicted for a misdemeanor offense, less than two years have elapsed since the date of conviction or the date of release from confinement imposed for the conviction, whichever is the later date, (n) if the applicant was placed on probation or deferred adjudication for a misdemeanor offense, less than two years have elapsed since the date of successful completion of probation or deferred adjudi- cation, (in) if the applicant was convicted for a felony offense, less than five years have elapsed since the date of conviction or the date of re- lease from confinement for the conviction or the date of release from parole, whichever is the later date, (iv) if the applicant was placed on probation or deferred adjudication for a felony offense, less than five years have elapsed since the date of successful completion of probation or deferred adjudica- tion, (v) less than five years have elapsed since the date of the last convic- tion or the date of release from confinement for the last conviction, Denton City Code 17 S \Our Documents\Ordmances\Offaxi OrdinanceDenton 1 doe whichever is the later date, if, within any 24-month period, the ap- plicant has two or more convictions of any misdemeanor offense or combination of misdemeanor offenses, or (vi) less than five years have elapsed since the date of the successful completion of probation or deferred adjudication for the last of- fense, whichever is the later date, if, within any 24-month period, the applicant has been placed on probation or deferred adjudication two or more times for any misdemeanor offense or combination of misdemeanor offenses, (8) not have been convicted of, or discharged by probation or deferred adjudication for, driving while intoxicated (A) within the preceding 12 months, or (B) more than one time within the preceding ten years, (9) not be addicted to the use of alcohol or narcotics, (10) be subject to no outstanding warrants of arrest, (11) be sanitary and well-groomed in dress and person in compliance with Section 27- 188(a) of this chapter, (12) have a valid contract with or be currently employed by a holder, and (13) have successfully completed within the preceding 12 months a defensive driving course approved by the National Safety Council and be able to present proof of completion (b) An applicant who has been sentenced for an offense listed in Subsection (a)(7) or (8), for which the required time period provided by this ordinance has elapsed, may qualify for a taxicab, limousine, or shuttle driver's license only if the director determines that the applicant is presently fit to engage in the occupation of a taxicab, limousine, or shuttle driver In determining present fitness under this section, the director shall consider the following (1) the extent and nature of the applicant's past criminal activity, (2) the age of the applicant at the time of the commission of the crime, (3) the amount of time that has elapsed since the applicant's last criminal activity, (4) the conduct and work activity of the applicant prior to and following the criminal activity, Denton City Code 18 S \Our Documents\0rdinances\01\Taxi OrdinanceDenton I doc (5) evidence of the applicant's rehabilitation or rehabilitative effort while incarcer- ated or following release, and (6) other evidence of the applicant's present fitness, including letters of recommenda- tion from prosecution, law enforcement, and correctional officers who prosecuted, arrested, or had custodial responsibility for the applicant, the sheriff and chief of police in the community where the applicant resides, and any other persons in contact with the applicant (c) It is the responsibility of the applicant, to the extent possible, to secure and pro- vide to the director the evidence required to determine present fitness under Subsection (b) of this section and under Section 27-176(a) of this article SEC. 27-171. APPLICATION; FEE. To obtain a taxicab, limousine, or shuttle driver's license or renewal of a taxicab, limou- sine, or shuttle driver's license, a person must file with the department a nonrefundable applica- tion fee of $10 and a completed written application on a form provided for the purpose The di- rector shall require each application to state such information as he considers necessary to deter- mine whether an applicant is qualified SEC 27-172. INVESTIGATION OF APPLICATION (a) For the purpose of determining qualification under Section 27-170(a)(5), the di- rector may require an applicant to submit to a physical examination at applicant's expense con- ducted by a licensed physician and to furnish to the director a statement from the physician which certifies that the physician has examined the applicant and that in the physician's profes- sional opinion the applicant is qualified under Section 27-170(a)(5) (b) Upon request of the director, the police department shall investigate each appli- cant and furnish the director a report concerning applicant's qualification under Section 27- 170(a)(7) The municipal court shall furnish the director a copy of the applicant's motor vehicle driving record and a list of any warrants of arrest for the applicant which might be outstanding (c) The director may conduct such other investigation as he considers necessary to determine whether an applicant for a taxicab, limousine, or shuttle driver's license is qualified SEC. 27.173. ISSUANCE AND DENIAL. (a) If the director determines that an applicant is qualified, the director shall issue a license to the applicant (b) The director shall delay until final adjudication the approval of the application of any applicant who is under indictment for or has charges pending for Denton City Code t_ - - 19 S \Our Documents\Ordinances\Offaxi OrdinanceDenton 1 doc (1) any offense listed in Section 27-170(a)(7)(A), or criminal attempt to commit any of those, or (2) any offense involving driving while intoxicated (c) The director may deny the application for a taxicab, limousine, or shuttle driver's license if the applicant (1) is not qualified under Section 27-170, (2) refuses to submit to or does not pass a medical or written examination authorized under Section 27-172, (3) makes a false statement of a material fact in his application for a taxicab, limou- sine, or shuttle driver's license (d) If the director determines that a license should be denied the applicant, the direc- tor shall notify the applicant in writing that his application is denied and include in the notice the reason for denial and a statement informing the applicant of his right of appeal in accordance with Section 27-181 of this chapter SEC. 27-174. EXPIRATION OF TAXICAB, LIMOUSINE, OR SHUTTLE DRIVER'S LICENSE, VOIDANCE UPON SUSPENSION OR REVOCATION OF STATE DRIVER'S LICENSE (a) Except in the case of probationary and provisional licenses, a taxicab, limousine, or shuttle driver's license expires two years from the date of issuance (b) If a licensee's state driver's license is suspended or revoked by the state, his taxi- cab, limousine, or shuttle driver's license automatically becomes void A licensee shall notify the director and the holder for whom he drives within three days of a suspension or revocation of his driver's license by the state and shall immediately surrender his taxicab, limousine, or shuttle driver's license to the director SEC. 27-175. PROVISIONAL LICENSE (a) The director may issue a provisional taxicab, limousine, or shuttle driver's license if he determines (1) that the number of taxicab, limousine, or shuttle drivers is inadequate to meet the city's need for taxicab service, in which case he may issue the number necessary to meet the need, or Denton City Code 20 S \Our Documents\Ordinances\01\Taxi OrdinanceDenton 1 doc (2) that it is necessary pending completion of investigation of an applicant for a taxi- cab, limousine, or shuttle driver's license (b) A provisional taxicab, limousine, or shuttle driver's license expires on the date shown on the license, not to exceed 45 days from the date of issuance, or upon the applicant's being denied a taxicab, limousine, or shuttle driver's license, whichever occurs first (c) The director shall not issue a provisional license to a person who has been previ- ously denied a taxicab, limousine, or shuttle driver's license (d) The director may issue a provisional license to a person holding a state driver's license SEC. 27-176. PROBATIONARY LICENSE. (a) The director may issue a probationary taxicab, limousine, or shuttle driver's li- cense to an applicant who is not qualified for a taxicab, limousine, or shuttle driver's license un- der Section 27-170 if the applicant (1) could qualify under Section 27-170 for a taxicab, limousine, or shuttle driver's li- cense within one year from the date of application, (2) holds a valid state driver's license or occupational driver's license, and (3) is determined by the director , using the criteria listed in Section 27-170(b) of this article, to be presently fit to engage in the occupation of a taxicab, limousine, or shuttle driver (b) A probationary taxicab, limousine, or shuttle driver's license may be issued for a period not to exceed one year (c) The director may prescribe appropriate terms and conditions for a probationary taxicab, limousine, or shuttle driver's license as he determines are necessary SEC 27-177. DUPLICATE LICENSE. If a taxicab, limousine, or shuttle driver's license is lost or destroyed, the director shall issue the licensee a duplicate license upon payment to the city of a duplicate license fee of $10 SEC 27-178. DISPLAY OF LICENSE A taxicab driver shall at all times conspicuously display a taxicab driver's license on the clothing of the driver's upper body A taxicab, limousine, or shuttle driver shall allow the direc- tor or a peace officer to examine the driver's taxicab, limousine, or shuttle driver's license upon request Denton City Code 21 S \Our Docurnents\Ordinances\01\Taxi OrdinanceDenton 1 doc SEC 27-179. SUSPENSION BY DESIGNATED REPRESENTATIVE (a) If a representative designated by the director to enforce this chapter determines that a licensee has failed to comply with this chapter (except Section 27-170) or a regulation es- tablished under this chapter, the representative may suspend the taxicab, limousine, or shuttle driver's license for a period of time not to exceed three days by personally serving the licensee with a written notice of the suspension The written notice must include the reason for suspen- sion, the date the suspension begins, the duration of the suspension, and a statement informing the licensee of his right of appeal in accordance with subsection (b) and (c) of this section (b) A suspension under this section may be appealed to the director or his assistant if the licensee requests an appeal at the time the representative serves notice of suspension When appeal is requested, the suspension may not take effect until a hearing is provided by the director or his assistant (c) The director may order an expedited hearing under this section, to be held as soon as possible after the licensee requests an appeal The director may affirm, reverse, or modify the order of the representative The decision of the director is final SEC 27-180 SUSPENSION AND REVOCATION (a) If the director determines that a licensee has failed to comply with this chapter (except Section 27-170) or a regulation established under this chapter, the director may suspend the taxicab, limousine, or shuttle driver's license for a definite period of time not to exceed 60 days (b) If at any time the director determines that a licensee is not qualified under Section 27-170, or is under indictment or has charges pending for any offense involving driving while intoxicated or any offense involving a crime described in Section 27-170(a)(7)(A) or criminal attempt to commit any of those offenses, the director shall suspend the taxicab, limousine, or shuttle driver's license until such time as the director determines that the licensee is qualified or that the charges against the licensee have been finally adjudicated (c) A licensee whose taxicab, limousine, or shuttle driver's license is suspended shall not drive a taxicab, limousine, or shuttle inside the city during the period of suspension (d) The director shall notify the licensee and the holder in writing of a suspension un- der this section and include in the notice the reason for the suspension, the date the director or- ders the suspension to begin, the duration of suspension or if it is under Subsection (b), and a statement informing the licensee of a right of appeal The period of suspension begins on the date specified by the director or, in the case of an appeal, on the date ordered by the appeal hearing officer Denton City Code 22 S \Our Documents\OIdmancesWMaxi OrdmanceDenton i doe (e) The director may revoke a taxicab, limousine, or shuttle driver's license if the di- rector determines that the licensee (1) operated a taxicab, limousine, or shuttle inside the city a period in which the taxi- cab, limousine, or shuttle driver's license was suspended, (2) made a false statement of a material fact in an application for a taxicab, limousine, or shuttle driver's license, (3) engaged in conduct that constitutes a ground for suspension under Subsection (a), and received either a suspension in excess of three days or a conviction for viola- tion of this chapter, two times within the 12-month period preceding the occur- rence of the conduct or three times within the 24-month period preceding the oc- currence of the conduct, (4) engaged in conduct that could reasonably be determined to be detrimental to the public safety, (5) failed to comply with a condition of a probationary permit, or (6) was convicted of any felony offense while holding a taxicab, limousine, or shuttle driver's license (f) A person whose taxicab, limousine, or shuttle driver's license is revoked shall not (1) apply for another taxicab, limousine, or shuttle driver's license before the expira- tion of 12 months from the date the director revokes the license or, in the case of an appeal, the date the appeal hearing officer affirms the revocation, or (2) drive a taxicab, limousine, or shuttle inside the city (g) The director shall notify the licensee in writing of a revocation and include in the notice the reason for the revocation, the date the director orders the revocation, and a statement informing the licensee of his right of appeal (h) After receipt of notice of suspension, revocation, or denial of license renewal, the licensee shall, on the date specified in the notice, surrender his taxicab, limousine, or shuttle driver's license to the director and discontinue driving a taxicab, limousine, or shuttle inside the city (i) Notwithstanding Subsections (c) and (h), if the licensee appeals the suspension or revocation under this section, the licensee may continue to drive a taxicab, limousine, or shuttle pending the appeal unless Denton City Code 23 S \Our Documents\OrdmancesW Maxi OrdmanceDenton 1 doe (1) the taxicab, limousine, or shuttle driver's license of the licensee is suspended pur- suant to Subsection (b) or revoked pursuant to Subsection (e)(6) of this section, or (2) the director determines that continued operation by the licensee would impose an immediate threat to public safety SEC 27-181 APPEAL. (a) A person may appeal the following decisions of the director if he requests an ap- peal in writing and delivers it to the city manager not more than 10 business days after receiving notice of the director 's action (1) a denial of an application for a permit, (2) a suspension or revocation of a permit, (3) a denial of renewal of annual permit, (4) denial of a taxicab, limousine, or shuttle driver's license application, (5) suspension of a taxicab, limousine, or shuttle driver's license under Section 27- 180, or (6) revocation of a taxicab, limousine, or shuttle driver's license (b) The city manager or his designated representative shall act as the appeal hearing officer in an appeal hearing under this section The hearing officer shall give the appealing party an opportunity to present evidence and make argument in his behalf The formal rules of evi- dence do not apply to an appeal hearing under this section, and the hearing officer shall make his ruling on the basis of a preponderance of the evidence presented at the hearing (c) The hearing officer may affirm, modify, or reverse all or part of the action of the director being appealed The decision of the hearing officer is final SEC 27-182. FALSIFYING OF A LICENSE. A person commits an offense if he (1) forges, alters, or counterfeits a taxicab, limousine, or shuttle driver's license, badge, sticker, or emblem required by law, or (2) possesses a forged, altered, or counterfeited taxicab, limousine, or shuttle driver's license, badge, sticker, or emblem required by law Denton City Code 24 S \Our Documents\Ordinances\Ot\Taxi OrdinanceDenton 1 doc SEC 27-183. CURRENT MAILING ADDRESS OF LICENSEE An individual issued a taxicab, limousine, or shuttle driver's license shall maintain a cur- rent mailing address on file with the director The licensee shall notify the director of any change in this mailing address within five business days of the change PART D MISCELLANEOUS HOLDER AND DRIVER REGULATIONS SEC 27-184. HOLDER'S AND DRIVER'S DUTY TO COMPLY (a) Holder In the operation of a taxicab, limousine, or shuttle service, a holder shall comply with the terms and conditions of the holder's operating authority and, except to the ex- tent expressly provided otherwise by the operating authority, shall comply with this chapter, regulations established under this chapter, and other law applicable to the operation of a taxicab, limousine, or shuttle service (b) Driver While on duty, a driver shall comply with this chapter, regulations estab- lished under this chapter, other law applicable to the operation of a motor vehicle in this state, and orders issued by the holder employing or contracting with the driver in connection with the holder's discharging of its duty under its operating authority and this chapter SEC 27-185. HOLDER'S DUTY TO ENFORCE COMPLIANCE BY DRIVERS (a) A holder shall establish policy and take action to discourage, prevent, or correct violations of this chapter by drivers who are employed by or contracting with the holder (b) A holder shall not permit a driver who is employed by or contracting with the holder to drive a taxicab, limousine, or shuttle if the holder knows or has reasonable cause to suspect that the driver has failed to comply with this chapter, the rules and regulations estab- lished by the director or other applicable law SEC 27-186. DRIVER AS INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR. (a) A holder may contract with a driver on an independent -contractor basis, but only if the contract (1) provides that the holder shall indemnify the city and hold the city harmless for a claim or cause of action against the city ansmg from conduct of the driver, (2) provides that the driver is insured under the holder's fleet insurance policy, and (3) imposes a condition that the driver must comply with this chapter and provides that failure to comply may be considered by the holder as a material breach of the contract Denton City Code 25 S \Our Documents\Ordinances\01\Taxi OrdmanceDenton 1 doc (b) The form of the contract between a holder and driver must be approved by the director The director may disapprove a contract form if he determines that the contract is incon- sistent with this chapter, regulations established under this chapter, or other applicable law A holder may not use a contract that has been disapproved by the director SEC 27-187. INSURANCE. (a) A holder shall procure and keep in full force and effect automobile liability insur- ance written by an insurance company that (1) is approved by the State of Texas, (2) is acceptable to the city, (3) is rated A- or better, with a financial size of Class VI or higher, by A M Best or has an equivalent rating from another insurance rating service approved by the city, unless the insurance company is reinsured for the full insurance required un- der this section by another insurance company that meets all of the rating re- quirements of this paragraph and all other requirements of Paragraphs (1), (2), and (4) of this subsection and provides a right of direct action against the reinsurer by any person entitled to claimed insurance benefits against the primary insurance company in the event the primary insurance company does not pay any valid claim, and (4) does not violate operational control prohibition described in Subsection (1) of this section (b) The insurance must be issued in the standard form approved by the Texas De- partment of Insurance, and all provisions of the policy must be acceptable to the city The in- sured provisions of the policy must name the city and its officers and employees as additional insureds, and the coverage provisions must provide coverage for any loss or damage that may anse to any person or property by reason of the operation of a taxicab, limousine, or shuttle ser- vice by the holder (c) The automobile liability insurance must provide combined single limits of liabil- ity for bodily injury and property damage of not less than $300,000 for each occurrence, or the equivalent, for each motor vehicle used by the holder Aggregate limits of liability are prohib- ited (d) If a vehicle is removed from service, the holder shall maintain the insurance cov- erage required by this section for the vehicle until the director receives satisfactory proof that all evidence of operation as a taxicab, limousine, or shuttle has been removed from the vehicle (e) Insurance required under this section must include Denton City Code 26 S \Our Documents\Ordinances\01\Taxi OrdmanceDenton 1 doe (1) a cancellation provision in which the insurance company is required to notify the director in writing not fewer than 30 days before canceling or making a material change to the insurance policy, (2) a provision to cover all vehicles, whether owned or not owned by the holder, op- erated under the holder's operating authority, and (3) a provision requiring the insurance company to pay every claim on a first -dollar basis (f) Insurance required by this section may be obtained from an assigned nsk pool if all of the policies and coverages are managed by one agent, and one certificate of insurance is issued to the city (g) Operating authority will not be granted or renewed unless the applicant or holder furnishes the director with such proof of insurance as the director considers necessary to deter- mine whether the applicant or holder is adequately insured under this section (h) If the insurance of a holder lapses or is canceled and new insurance is not ob- tained, the director shall suspend the operating authority until the holder provides evidence that insurance coverage required by this section has been obtained A person shall not operate a pas- senger transportation service while operating authority is suspended under this section whether or not the action is appealed A $100 fee must be paid before operating authority suspended un- der this section will be reinstated (i) No person with any direct or indirect ownership interest in the holder's taxicab, limousine, or shuttle service may have any operational control, direct or indirect, in any insur- ance company that provides insurance required by this section to the taxicab, limousine, or shut- tle service For purposes of this subsection, `operational control" means holding any manage- ment position with the insurance company (including, but not limited to, the chief executive offi- cer, the president, any vice-president, or any person in a decision -making position with respect to insurance claims) or having the right to control the actions or decisions of any person in such a management position in the insurance company SEC 27-188. APPAREL TO BE WORN BY DRIVERS (a) Each holder shall have company dress standards for drivers employed by or con- tracting with the holder These standards must be kept on file with the director and must include the following (1) A driver may not wear (A) cut-offs, Denton City Code 27 S \Our Documents\Ordinances\01\Taxi OrdmanceDenton 1 doc (B) apparel with offensive or suggestive language, (C) tank tops or halter tops, or (D) outer apparel made of fishnet or undergarment material (2) Only shorts commonly referred to as walking shorts or Bermuda shorts with a fin- ished hem are permitted (3) Shoes must be worn at all times in the manner for which they were designed A driver may not wear shoes or sandals without socks or hosiery and may not wear beach or shower thongs (4) A driver and the driver's clothing must conform to basic standards of hygiene and be neat, clean, and sanitary at all times (5) A driver's hair must be clean and neatly groomed Facial hair must be neatly trimmed (b) While on duty, a driver shall wear the item specified by the holder who employs or contracts with the driver and shall comply with such other identification regulations pre- scribed by the holder's operating authority SEC 27-189. DRIVER'S DAILY MANIFEST (a) Each holder shall provide its drivers with forms, approved by the director, for maintaining a daily manifest The form must include appropriate spaces for recording (1) vehicle number, driver's name, date, hours of operation, total miles, paid miles, units, trips, extras, and if the vehicle is a taxicab, the meter number, (2) time, place, origin, and destination, (3) number of passengers and amount of fare and other charges, and (4) other information required by the director to aid in the discharge of his duties (b) Each driver shall complete a manifest on a separate form for each tour of duty The driver shall provide the information required by the form and shall record the information with regard to trips at the end of each trip The holder shall maintain the manifest forms and al- low the director to inspect the forms upon request The holder shall provide copies of the mani- fest forms to the director if requested Denton City Code 28 S \Our Documents\Ordmances\01\Taxi OrdmanceDenton 1 doc SEC 27-190 HOLDER'S RECORDS AND REPORTS (a) Each holder shall maintain at a single location business records of its taxicab, limousine, or shuttle service The method used in maintaining the records must be approved by the director, and the director may require maintenance of certain records which he determines are necessary for monitoring the activities, operations, service, and safety record of a holder A holder shall make its records available for inspection by the director at reasonable times upon request (b) Each holder shall submit to the director such annual and monthly reports concern- ing its taxicab, limousine, or shuttle service as the director determines necessary to evaluate the holder's operations A holder shall submit a monthly report of gross receipts in a form approved by the director SEC 27-191. TAXICABS MONTHLY SUMMARY OF METER READINGS (a) A holder, owner, or driver shall obtain forms from the director for maintaining a monthly summary of meter readings for each taxicab operating under a holder's authority The form must include appropriate spaces for recording (1) taxicab number, (2) driver's name, (3) date, (4) meter number, (5) total miles, (6) paid miles, (7) units, (8) trips, (9) extras, and (10) other information required by the director (b) A holder, owner or driver of a taxicab shall provide all information required by the form A separate form must be completed for each taxicab A holder, owner, or driver shall return completed forms to the director once a month, or as otherwise required by the director Denton City Code 29 S \Our Docurnents\Ordniance8\Ot\Tax, OrdinanceDenton i doe PART E SERVICE REGULATIONS SEC 27-192. CITY-WIDE TAXICAB SERVICE REQUIRED (a) Except as otherwise provided by the holder's operating authority, a holder shall (1) provide taxicab service to the general public to and from any point inside the city that is accessible by public street, except that this provision does not require a holder to subject a taxicab to mob violence or destruction, (2) answer each call received for service inside the city as soon as practicable, and if the service cannot be rendered within a reasonable time, the holder shall inform the caller of the reason for the delay and the approximate time required to answer the call, and (3) maintain a single station for the purpose of receiving calls and dispatching taxi- cabs that is operational 18 hours each day SEC 27-193. REPRESENTATION OF AVAILABILITY OF TAXICAB. A driver may not represent that his taxicab is engaged when it is in fact vacant or vacant when it is in fact engaged SEC 27-194 REFUSAL TO CONVEY PASSENGERS BY TAXICABS (a) While operating a taxicab a driver shall not refuse to convey a person who re- quests service unless (1) the person is disorderly, (2) the driver is engaged in answering a previous request for service, (3) the driver has reason to believe that the person is engaged in unlawful conduct, or (4) the driver is in fear of his personal safety (b) While operating a taxicab, a driver shall not refuse service requested by a radio dispatch when the location for pick up is within a reasonable distance from the location of the taxicab Denton City Code 30 S \Our Documents\Ordinances\01\Tax1 OrdinanceDenton 1 doc SEC 27-195. PASSENGER LIMITATIONS OF TAXICABS. (a) While operating a taxicab a driver on duty may carry only a person who is a pay- ing passenger, unless the passenger is an employee of the taxicab service that employs or con- tracts with the drier, a governmental inspector acting in an official capacity, or unless it is au- thonzed by the holder's operating authority (b) A driver may not carry at the same time more passengers than the designed seat- ing capacity of the taxicab (c) The director may establish rules governing passenger limitations, as illustrated by, but not limited to, cab-shanng, cab -pooling, and numbers of passengers with different destina- tions SEC 27-196 CARRY PASSENGERS BY DIRECT ROUTE. A driver shall carry a passenger to his destination by the most direct and expeditious route available unless otherwise directed by the passenger SEC. 27-197. SOLICITATION OF PASSENGERS BY TAXICABS A driver may not solicit passengers (1) from a location other than the driver's compartment or the immediate vicinity of the driver's taxicab, (2) in a way that annoys or obstructs the movement of a person, (3) by paying an employee of another business to solicit passengers for or give pref- erential treatment in directing passengers to the driver's taxicab, or (4) without using a taxicab stand at a location where a taxicab stand exists SEC 27-198 REGULATIONS FOR USE OF TAXICAB STANDS (a) While using a taxicab stand, a driver shall not (1) go beyond 25 feet of his taxicab except to assist a passenger as reasonably neces- sary after being engaged, (2) interfere with the orderly progression of taxicabs from the rear to the front of the taxicab stand, (3) perform or allow to be performed repairs or maintenance on a taxicab while parked on the taxicab stand, Denton City Code 31 S \Our Documents\0rdinances\01\Taxi OrdinanceDenton 1 doc (4) assign or sell his positron in a taxicab stand to another, or (5) interfere with a taxicab entering a taxicab stand on which there is a vacant space (b) A person shall not park a taxicab on a taxicab stand unless the taxicab is for hire (c) A taxicab left unattended in a taxicab stand is illegally parked and may be re- moved from the taxicab stand and impounded as provided in Chapter 18 of this code SEC. 27-199. CONDUCT OF DRIVERS. A driver shall (1) act in a reasonable, prudent, and courteous manner, (2) maintain a sanitary and well-groomed appearance in compliance with Section 27- 188(a) of this chapter, (3) not respond to a radio dispatch call assigned to another driver, (4) not consume an alcoholic beverage, drug, or other substance that could adversely affect the driver's ability to drive a motor vehicle, (5) not monitor the radio frequency of a taxicab, limousine, or shuttle company other than the driver's own nor respond to a call for service dispatched to another taxi- cab, limousine, or shuttle, (6) not possess a radio capable of receiving the frequency of a taxicab, limousine, or shuttle company, other than the driver's own, (7) not interfere with the director in the performance of the director 's duties, and (8) comply with lawful orders of the director issued in the performance of his duties SEC 27-200. RETURN OF PASSENGER'S PROPERTY (a) Upon finding property in a taxicab, limousine, or shuttle, left by a passenger, the driver shall immediately return the property to the owner However, if the driver is unable to lo- cate the owner or if the driver does not know the identity or whereabouts of the owner, the driver shall, within a reasonable time, deliver the property to the holder who employs or contracts with the driver (b) Upon return of property to the owner or delivery of property to the holder, the driver shall prepare a written report stating the description of the property, the identity of the Denton City Code 32 S \Our Documents\Ordinances\01\Taxi OrdinanceDenton 1 doc owner if known, the date the property was left in the taxicab, limousine, or shuttle, the circum- stances relating to the loss, and the taxicab, limousine, or shuttle number The holder shall keep the report on file for at least one year and shall hold the property for not less than three months SEC 27-201. ESTABLISHMENT OF TAXICAB STANDS (a) Subject to the approval of the director, the traffic engineer may establish taxicab stands of such character, number, and location as he determines are required by the public con- vemence and necessity (b) A holder desiring the establishment of a taxicab stand must file a written request with the director and the traffic engineer SEC 27-202. SERVICE REGULATIONS FOR BUSINESS ESTABLISHMENTS REQUESTING TAXICABS FOR CUSTOMERS An employee of a business establishment, other than a taxicab service, who acts as an agent in obtaining taxicab service for prospective taxicab passengers shall not (1) solicit nor accept payment from a driver in return for giving preferential treatment in directing passengers to a driver's taxicab, or (2) interfere with the orderly progression of taxicabs from the rear to the front of a taxicab stand PART F TAXICAB FARES SEC 27-203 RATES OF TAXICAB FARES (a) A holder of a taxicab permit may charge only rates of fare which have been ap- proved by the city council A holder of a taxicab permit may propose a change in its rates of fare by filing the proposal with the city secretary and the director for consideration by the city coun- cil (b) The city council shall hold a hearing to consider the proposed change in rates of fare After the hearing the city council may approve, disapprove, or modify the proposed change (c) The city secretary shall maintain on file a current schedule of the rates of fare charged by each holder of taxicab permits (d) A driver shall not charge a fare for operating a taxicab in the city that is inconsis- tent with the rates on file with the city secretary for the holder under whose operating authority the taxicab is operated Denton City Code 33 S \Our Docurnents\Ord1nances\01\Taxi OrdmanceDenton 1 doc SEC. 27-204 DISPLAY OF RATE CARD BY TAXICABS. (a) A holder shall provide the driver for each taxicab operating under its authority, a printed card or sticker containing the approved rates of fare of the holder The form and content of the card or sticker are subject to regulation by the director (b) While operating a taxicab for hire, a driver shall, in a manner approved by the di- rector, prominently display two rate cards or stickers inside the taxicab and two rate cards or stickers outside the taxicab so that they can be easily read by passengers SEC 27-205. COMPUTATION OF FARES FOR TAXICABS Unless a holder's approved rates of fare or operating authority provide otherwise, a holder shall equip each taxicab with a taximeter, and a driver shall charge only a fee as computed by the taximeter However, a holder may authorize a driver to make a flat rate charge for a trip to a destination which is not covered in the holder's approved rates of fare, if the taximeter is kept in operation while the taxicab has a passenger within the scope of the area designated in the ap- proved rates of fare SEC. 27-206. DESIGN AND TESTING OF TAXIMETERS, FEES (a) A taximeter must accurately register in legible figures total miles, paid miles, number of fare units, number of trips, extras, and total fare for a trip Figures denoting the fare must be illuminated when the meter is activated (b) A taximeter must be mounted in a conspicuous location in the taxicab in a manner approved by the director A taximeter must be equipped to indicate whether the taxicab is en- gaged or vacant (c) If the taximeter employs a flag, the flag must project at least four inches above the dashboard when in the non -earning position (d) The taximeter or its drive system must be sealed at all points at which compo- nents, if manipulated, could affect the function or accuracy of the taximeter (e) The design of a taximeter is subject to approval by the director to assure that it complies with this section (fj A holder shall cause each taximeter in taxicabs operating under its authority to be maintained in good operating condition and to be tested and sealed at least once each year in ac- cordance with state and city weights and measures laws The director may establish a schedule of regular testing days and times for purposes of this section (g) The owner of the taxicab shall be responsible for paying the taximeter testing fee Denton City Code 34 S \Our Documents\Ordmances\01\Tax1 OrdmanceDenton 1 doc (h) A person commits an offense if he operates a taxicab that is (1) not equipped with a taximeter, or (2) equipped with a taximeter that (A) does not have a current decal and lead seal authorized by the director , (B) has been tampered with or altered, or (C) incorrectly registers or computes taxicab fares because of alterations to the taxicab odometer, including, but not limited to, changes in the gears, tires, or wheels of the taxicab (i) The following persons shall be responsible and subject to the penalty for a viola- tion of Subsection (h) (1) The driver of the taxicab (2) The owner of the taxicab (3) The holder under whose authority the taxicab is being operated 0) Proof of taxicab ownership for purposes of this section may be made by a copy of the registration of the vehicle with the State of Texas showing the name of the person to whom the state license plates for the vehicle were issued The person in whose name the vehicle is reg- istered shall be prima facie the owner of the vehicle If the vehicle is not currently registered, the person in whose name the vehicle was last registered shall be prima facie the owner of the vehi- cle SEC 27-207. TAXICAB FARE COLLECTION PROCEDURES (a) Before changing the taximeter to indicate that the taxicab is vacant, a dnver shall call the attention of the passenger to the amount of fare registered on the taximeter (b) Upon request by a person paying a fare, a driver shall give the person a legible receipt showing (1) the name of the holder under whose authority the taxicab is operated, (2) the taxicab number, (3) an itemized list of charges, Denton City Code 35 S \Our Documents\Ordinances\Ol\Taxi OrdmanceDenton 1 doe (4) the total amount of fare paid, (5) the date of payment, and (6) the driver's signature (c) A holder shall provide each driver operating a taxicab under its authority with printed receipt forms adequate for providing the information required in Subsection (b) PART G VEHICLES AND EQUIPMENT SEC 27-208. FALSE REPRESENTATION AS TAXICAB (a) A person may not represent that a vehicle is a taxicab if the vehicle is not in fact a taxicab authorized by operating authority granted under this chapter (b) A person may not drive a vehicle in the city that is not a taxicab if the vehicle is marked, painted, or equipped in a way that is likely to result in mistaking the vehicle for a taxi- cab SEC 27-209. VEHICLE REQUIREMENTS AND INSPECTIONS (a) The director may by regulation establish requirements for size, condition, and ac- cessories of taxicabs used by a taxicab, limousine, or shuttle holder, owner, or driver (b) The director shall inspect each taxicab, limousine, or shuttle for compliance with this chapter and regulations of the director, before it is placed in service, twice a year for regular inspections, and once during the year for a random inspection (c) A holder, owner, or driver shall make a taxicab, limousine, or shuttle available for inspection when ordered by the director If, upon inspection, the director determines that a taxi- cab, limousine, or shuttle is not in compliance with this chapter or regulations of the director, the director shall order the taxicab, limousine, or shuttle to be brought into compliance within a rea- sonable period of time and require it to be reinspected The owner shall pay to the director $10 for each remspection of a taxicab, limousine, or shuttle that is required before it is brought into compliance (d) If a holder, owner, or driver fails to make a taxicab, limousine, or shuttle available for inspection or if the director determines that a taxicab, limousine, or shuttle is not in compli- ance with this chapter or regulations of the director, the director may order the taxicab, limou- sine, or shuttle removed from service until it is made available for inspection and brought into compliance Denton City Code 36 S \Our Documents\Ordmances\01\Taxi OrdmanceDenton 1 doe (e) If the director determines that inspection of the mechanical condition or safety equipment of a taxicab by an expert mechanic or technician is necessary, the holder, owner, or driver shall pay the cost of the inspection (f) When a taxicab, limousine, or shuttle is removed from service and placed back in service within 15 days by the same owner, the owner shall pay to the director $60 for remspec- tion (g) Before any taxicab, limousine, or shuttle will be approved for service, the director shall be provided with a copy of the registration for the vehicle with the State of Texas, or a bill of sale if the vehicle is new and has not yet been registered, showing the name of the individual or holder owning the vehicle The owner shown on the registration or bill of sale provided to the director shall notify the director of any change in ownership of the taxicab, limousine, or shuttle within 101busmess days SEC. 27-210. TAXICAB AGE LIMITS (a) A holder, owner, or driver commits an offense if he operates any vehicle as a taxicab in the city that is older than (1) 72 months (6 years) of age for a vehicle not equipped to use only alternative fuel, or (2) 108 months (9 years) of age for a vehicle equipped to use only alternative fuel, if the equipment was on the vehicle when the vehicle was purchased new or added to the vehicle within 30 days after the vehicle was purchased new (b) For purposes of this section, vehicle age, for a vehicle purchased used, will be calculated from January 1 of the model year of the vehicle If the vehicle is purchased new, age will be calculated from the date of purchase and the holder, owner, or driver shall present to the director (1) a certified copy of the vehicle's title stating the date of purchase and an odometer reading of no more than 1,000 miles at the time of purchase, and (2) a manufacturer's certificate, as defined in Chapter 501 of the Texas Transporta- tion Code, certifying that the vehicle has not been previously titled and has not been previously subject to retail sale SEC. 27.211. REQUIRED EQUIPMENT FOR TAXICABS (a) Unless otherwise specified in the operating authority under which a taxicab is op- erated or by regulation of the director, and in addition to other equipment required by this chap - Denton City Code 37 S \Our Documents\Ordinances\01\Taxi OrdmanceDenton 1 doc ter, a holder, owner, or driver shall provide and maintain in good operating condition the follow- ing equipment for each taxicab, limousine, or shuttle (1) seat belts for each passenger, the number of which is determined by the designed seating capacity of the taxicab, (2) heater and air conditioner, (3) chemical -type fire extinguisher, of at least one quart capacity, conveniently lo- cated in the same compartment of the taxicab as the driver so that it is readily ac- cessible for immediate use, (4) equipment to indicate when a taxicab is operating for hire and when it is not for hire, (5) top light, (6) two-way radio on the holder's dispatch frequency, (7) map of the city, (8) decal complying with Section 27-215 of this article, (9) taxicab display receptacle, (10) rates of fare cards or stickers, and (11) taximeter (b) No equipment listed in Subsection (a)(4), (5), (6), (9), (10), and (11) may be placed on a vehicle to be operated as a taxicab unless the equipment is owned by the holder (c) A taxicab in operation on the date this ordinance is adopted which is not equipped with safety belts or the required number of safety belts, is not required to comply with Subsec- tion (a)(1) SEC 27-212 TAXICAB COLOR SCHEME AND DISTINCTIVE MARKINGS. (a) A holder shall develop the design of a color scheme and distinctive markings for taxicabs operating under its authority, and shall submit the design to the director for approval to insure that the design is readily distinguishable from the design used by other holders (b) After a design is approved by the director, the holder shall submit to the director a color photograph of a completely equipped taxicab using the approved design Denton City Code 38 S \Our Documents\Ordinances\01\Taxi OrdmanceDenton 1 doc (c) The holder shall use only the approved design, as depicted in the submitted pho- tograph, for taxicabs operated under its authority unless wntten approval of a change is obtained from the director SEC 27-213 REQUIRED TAXICAB IDENTIFICATION A holder shall cause each taxicab operating under its authonty to be provided with the following uniform vehicle identification (1) the name of the holder's company printed in letters not less than three inches high with one-half inch stroke, and (2) the taxicab number assigned to each vehicle by the director in numbers and letters not less than three inches high with one-half inch stroke and so that it is clearly visible from the front, rear, and both sides of the taxicab SEC. 27- 214 TAXICAB DISPLAY RECEPTACLE (a) Every taxicab must have a display receptacle approved by the director securely affixed to a conspicuous place on the dashboard A display receptacle shall be at least 6-1/4 inches by 10 inches in area, constructed of a rigid material, and designed to accommodate the following information in accordance with the required dimensions (1) At least a two-inch by two-inch colored passport -quality photograph of the driver, with the driver's name as it appears on the driver's Texas driver's license and the taxicab driver's license number placed under the photograph in block letters and numbers not less than three -sixteenths inch high with at least a one -sixteenths inch stroke, must be laminated as a single unit not less than 2-1/4 inches by 3-1/2 inches (2) The company name in block letters not less than one-half inch high with at least a one -eighth inch stroke, with the taxicab number placed under it in block numbers and letters not less than three -fourths inch high with at least a three -sixteenths inch stroke, must be laminated as a single unit not less than three inches by 2-1/2 inches (3) Taxi rates in block numbers at least nine -sixteenths inch high with at least a three - sixteenths inch stroke and in block letters at least one -eighth inch high with at least a 1/32 inch stroke must be laminated as a single unit not less than 6-1/2 by six inches (b) A holder, owner, or driver of a taxicab commits an offense if he operates or al- lows operation of a taxicab that is equipped with (1) no required display receptacle, Denton City Code 39 S \Our Documents\Ordinances\Ol\Taxi OrdmanceDenton 1 doe (2) a display receptacle that does not contain required information, or (3) a display receptacle that contains insufficient or incorrect information SEC 27-215 TAXICAB DECALS. (a) The holder, owner, or driver of a taxicab shall obtain a decal, indicating the taxi- cab's authority to operate, from the director each month, or other period to be determined by the director A decal must be attached to the lower right corner of the front windshield of the taxicab in a manner approved by the director (b) A person commits an offense if he (1) operates a taxicab with an expired decal or with no decal affixed to it, (2) attaches a decal to a vehicle not authorized to operate as a taxicab, (3) forges, alters, or counterfeits a taxicab decal required by this section, (4) possesses a forged, altered, or counterfeited taxicab decal required by this section, or (5) displays more than one taxicab decal issued by the city on a vehicle at the same time (c) A taxicab decal assigned to one person is not transferable to another without con- sent of the director SEC 27- 216. NOT -FOR -HIRE STATUS OF TAXICABS (a) Each taxicab is presumed to be on duty and ready to serve the general public for hire If a driver is not for hire and does not intend to provide taxicab service, the driver shall comply with the following requirements (1) The driver shall place a sign, to be provided by the holder, in the taxicab indicat- ing the words "NOT FOR HIRE" printed in letters not less than three inches in height with a stroke of not less than 3/8 inch The letters shall be on a backing of sufficient thickness to not easily bend (2) When a driver is not for hire, the driver shall display the sign in an upright posi- tron in the front window on the right side of the taxicab so as to be easily seen and read from outside of the taxicab Denton City Code 40 S \Our Documents\Ordinances\01\Taxi OrdmanceDenton 1 doc (b) A driver who is not for hire shall not park or stand a taxicab on a taxicab stand or on a public street or public property within 500 feet of a taxicab stand unless it is parked at a me- tered parking space SEC 27-217. REMOVAL OF EQUIPMENT FROM TAXICABS (a) Whenever a vehicle is removed from service or is no longer authorized to operate as a taxicab, the holder, owner, or driver shall remove from the vehicle all taxicab signs, markings, and equipment that would distinguish the vehicle as a taxicab, including, but not limited to, ra- dios, top lights, meters, and decals (b) A holder, owner, or driver of a taxicab shall not sell or transfer to a driver any ra- dio, top light, meter, or other equipment that would distinguish a vehicle as a taxicab PART H ENFORCEMENT SEC 27-218. AUTHORITY TO INSPECT The director may inspect a taxicab, limousine, or shuttle service operating under this chapter to determine whether the service complies with this chapter, regulations established un- der this chapter, or other applicable law SEC. 27-219. REMOVAL OF EVIDENCE OF AUTHORIZATION Whenever a holder's operating authority or a taxicab, limousine, or shuttle driver's li- cense is suspended, revoked, or denied or whenever a vehicle fails to pass inspection as a taxi- cab, limousine, or shuttle, the director may remove or require the surrender of all evidence of authorization as a holder, taxicab, limousine, or shuttle driver, or taxicab, limousine, or shuttle, including, but not limited to, removal or surrender of operating authority, licenses, decals, signs, insignia, radios, top lights, and meters if applicable SEC 27-220 ENFORCEMENT BY POLICE DEPARTMENT. Officers of the police department shall assist in the enforcement of this chapter A police officer upon observing a violation of this chapter or the regulations established by the director, shall take necessary enforcement action to insure effective regulations of taxicab, limousine, or shuttle service SEC 27.221 CORRECTION ORDER. (a) If the director determines that a holder violates this code, terms of its operating authority, a regulation established by the director, or other law, the director may notify the holder in writing of the violation and by written order direct the holder to correct the violation within a reasonable period of time In setting the time for correction the director shall consider the degree Denton City Code 41 S \Our Documents\Ordinances\01\Taxi OrdmanceDenton 1 doc of danger to the public health or safety and the nature of the violation If the violation involves equipment that is unsafe or functioning improperly, the director shall order the holder to imme- diately cease use of the equipment (b) If the director determines that a violation constitutes an imminent and serious threat to the public health or safety, the director shall order the holder to correct the violation immediately, and, if the holder fails to comply, the director shall promptly take or cause to be taken such action as he considers necessary to enforce the order immediately (c) The director shall include in a notice issued under this section an identification of the violation, the date of issuance of the notice and the time period within which the violation must be corrected, a warning that failure to comply with the order may result in suspension or revocation of operating authority or imposition of a fine or both, and a statement indicating that the order may be appealed to the city manager SEC. 27-222. SERVICE OF NOTICE. (a) A holder shall designate and maintain a representative to receive service of notice required under this chapter to be given a holder and to serve notice required under this chapter to be given a driver employed by a holder (b) Notice required under this chapter to be given (1) a holder must be personally served by the director on the holder or the holder's designated representative, or (2) a driver licensed by the city under Part C, must be personally served or sent by certified United States Marl, five day return receipt requested, to the address, last known to the director , of the person to be notified, or to the designated represen- tative for drivers (c) Notice required under this chapter to be given a person other than a driver li- censed under Part C or a holder may be served in the manner prescribed by Subsection (b)(2) (d) Service executed in accordance with this section constitutes notice to the person to whom the notice is addressed The date of service for notice that is mailed is the date received (e) This section does not apply to notice served under Section 27-179(a) SEC.27-223. APPEAL. (a) A holder may appeal a correction order issued under Section 27-221 or any other action of the director if an appeal is requested in writing not more than 10 days after notice of the order or action is received Denton City Code 42 S \Our Documents\Ordinances\01\Taxi OrdmanceDenton 1 doc (b) The city manager or his designated representative shall act as the appeal hearing officer in an appeal hearing under this section The hearing officer shall give the appealing party an opportunity to present evidence and make argument in his behalf The formal rules of evi- dence do not apply to an appeal hearing under this section, and the hearing officer shall make his ruling on the basis of a preponderance of evidence presented at the hearing (c) The hearing officer may affirm, modify, or reverse all or a part of the order of the director The decision of the hearing officer is final SEC. 27-224. CRIMINAL OFFENSES. (a) A person commits an offense if he violates or attempts to violate a provision of this chapter applicable to him A culpable mental state is not required for the commission of an offense under this chapter unless the provision defining the conduct expressly requires a culpable mental state A separate offense is committed each day in which an offense occurs An offense committed under this chapter is punishable by a fine of not more than $500 (b) Prosecution for an offense under Subsection (a) does not prevent the use of other enforcement remedies or procedures applicable to the person charged with or the conduct in- volved in the offense SECTION 3 If any section, subsection, paragraph, sentence, clause, phrase, or word in this ordinance, or application thereof to any person or circumstances is held invalid by any court of competent jurisdiction, such holding shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions of this ordinance, and the City Council of the City of Denton, Texas hereby declares it would have enacted such remaining portions despite any invalidity SECTION 4 Save and except as amended hereby, all the provisions, sections, subsec- tions, paragraphs, sentences, clauses, and phrases of the Code of Ordinances shall remain in full force and effect SECTION 5 This ordinance shall become effective fourteen (14) days from the date of its passage, and the City Secretary is hereby directed to cause the caption of this ordinance to be published twice in the Denton Record -Chronicle, the official newspaper of the City of Denton, Texas, within ten (10) days of the date of its passage PASSED AND APPROVED this the 6*h day of , 2001 i� t,tx/iLt t°i lAo-r'L EULINE BROCK, MAYOR Denton City Code 43 S \Our Documents\Ordmances\01\Taxi OrdmanceDenton 1 doc ATTEST JENNIFER WALTERS, CITY SECRETARY APPROVED AS TO LEGAL FORM HERBERT L PROUTY, CITY ATTORNEY BY i r Denton City Code 44