Explanation
The purpose of this ordinance is to amend Section 587.04 of the Columbus City Codes, which would revise the fee structure for vehicles for hire to include micro transit vehicles and quadricycles operating in the City of Columbus.
Under current code, annual license fees are required of the owners of various vehicles for hire, such as taxis and pedicabs. However, given passage of Ordinances 3156-2017 and 3245-2017, introducing micro transit vehicles and quadricycles to the Columbus City Codes, it is recommended that Section 587.04 be amended to include applicable fees for these types of vehicles to maintain uniformity with the rest of Code. This ordinance is contingent upon the passage of Ordinances 3156-2017 and 3245-2017.
This ordinance will further the City’s efforts in revising the vehicle-for-hire sections of the Columbus City Codes, and ensure the health, safety and welfare of Columbus residents.
Title
To amend Section 587.04 of the Columbus City Codes, revising the fee structure for vehicles for hire to include micro transit vehicles and quadricycles operating in the City of Columbus.
Body
WHEREAS, the License Section of the Department of Public Safety oversees the licensing and operations of vehicles for hire in the City of Columbus; and
WHEREAS, currently, the Columbus City Codes account for the fees charged by the City to license vehicles for hire; and
WHEREAS, it is recommended that Section 587.04 be amended to include applicable fees for these types of vehicles and maintain uniformity with the rest of Code; and
WHEREAS, this ordinance builds on Council’s past work to update and modernize the vehicle for hire sections in the City Code, ensuring the health, safety and welfare of Columbus residents; and
WHEREAS, it has become necessary in the usual daily operation of the Department of Public Safety to amend this code section; now, therefore
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
SECTION 1. That Section 587.04 of the Columbus City Codes is hereby amended as follows:
587.04 - License fees.
The annual license fee shall be based on the type of vehicle that is being licensed. All fees must be paid in advance and shall be in addition to any fee required under the laws of the state on all motor vehicles.
(a) A taxicab owner shall pay a license fee of two hundred and twenty-five dollars ($225.00) per taxicab;
(b) A pedicab owner shall pay a license fee of fifty dollars ($50.00) per pedicab; and
(c) A livery owner shall pay a license fee of two hundred and twenty-five dollars ($225.00) per livery vehicle;
(d) A horse drawn carriage owner shall pay a license fee of one hundred and fifty dollars ($150.00) per horse carriage.
(e) A micro transit vehicle owner shall pay a license fee of one hundred and fifty dollars ($150.00) per vehicle.
(f) A quadricycle owner shall pay a license fee of one hundred and fifty dollars ($150.00) per quadricycle.
Additional administrative fees may be assessed by the Director pursuant to the Directors authority to promulgate rules and regulations under Chapter 501.
SECTION 2. That previously existing Section 587.04 of the Columbus City Codes is hereby repealed and replaced as provided herein.
SECTION 3. That this ordinance shall take effect and be in force from and after the earliest period allowed by law.