Chapter 5.54
TAXICABS*

Sections:

5.54.010    Purpose – Intent.

5.54.020    Certificate – License required.

5.54.030    Definitions.

5.54.040    Certificate – Application – Contents.

5.54.050    Certificate – Application – Investigation required.

5.54.055    Inspection criteria.

5.54.060    Certificates issued by police chief.

5.54.070    Certificate for existing licensed taxicabs.

5.54.080    Certificate – Cancellation as certified operator.

5.54.090    Insurance required.

5.54.100    Fare rates.

5.54.110    Certificate – Cancelled when.

5.54.120    Certificate – Grounds for suspension or revocation.

5.54.130    Certificate – To be surrendered when.

5.54.140    Route required.

5.54.150    Receipts for passengers.

5.54.160    Fare – Nonpayment deemed infraction when.

5.54.170    Soliciting for patronage prohibited when.

5.54.180    Exceeding rated seating capacity prohibited.

5.54.190    Parking prohibited where – Exceptions.

5.54.200    Obedience to orders of police and firefighters required.

5.54.210    Drivers’ permits required.

5.54.220    Taxicab stands – Established – Designation.

5.54.230    Taxicab stands – Unattended vehicles prohibited when.

5.54.240    Taxicab stands – Hours of operation.

5.54.250    Certificate – Number to be displayed on vehicle.

5.54.260    Color scheme restrictions.

5.54.270    Information cards – Display required where – Contents.

5.54.280    Violation – Penalty.

5.54.290    Appeals to city council.

*    For statutory provisions for local regulation of vehicles for hire, see Veh. Code § 16501; for provisions for carriers generally, see Civil Code § 2065, et seq., and Public Util. Code § 200, et seq.; for provisions for financial responsibility of taxicab companies, see Veh. Code § 16500, et seq.

    Prior ordinance history: Prior code §§ 31.5, 31.17 – 31.28, 31.38 – 31.44 and Ords. 1911 and 1881.

5.54.010 Purpose – Intent.

The purpose of this chapter is to regulate taxicab operators in the city to best serve the public interest and to permit a sufficient degree of flexibility in operation so as to allow an increased number of vehicles to be operated under the direction and supervision of a certified operator during peak demand hours. Any vehicles operating and picking up passengers within the city shall first have paid the license tax and administrative fee provided in the master fee schedule and meet all requirements for operation as set forth in this chapter.

It is the intent of the city to prohibit the transfer of a certificate by an approved operator. It shall be required that any such operator surrender his certificate to the city if he should cease to do business within the city. (Ord. 2574 § 1, 1993; Ord. 2003 § 2, 1982).

5.54.020 Certificate – License required.

No person shall engage in the business of operating any taxicab or taxicabs within the city without first having obtained a certificate to operate from the police chief. All vehicles shall meet the standards and qualifications for vehicles and drivers as provided by this chapter and the full license tax must be paid, regardless of the duration of the time the taxicabs are assigned to operation within the city. Should reports be received that the procedure is being violated, the operator’s certification may be suspended or revoked.

Every person conducting, managing or operating a business in which taxicabs are used shall pay an annual tax as set forth in Section 5.54.020 of the master tax schedule in CVMC 5.07.030, prorated to the nearest quarter. (Ord. 2408 § 1, 1990; Ord. 2003 § 2, 1982).

5.54.030 Definitions.

For the purposes of this chapter, unless otherwise expressly stated, the following words and phrases shall have the meanings respectively ascribed to them by this section:

A. “Certified operator” means a person authorized by the police chief to operate a taxicab or taxicabs in the city and who has been issued a certificate for the operation of such vehicles.

B. “Driver” means every person in charge of, or operating, any passenger-carrying or motor-propelled vehicle, either as agent, employee, or otherwise, of owner; as owner; or under the direction of the owner.

C. “Person” means any individual, partnership, association, corporation or other organization owning, operating or proposing to operate any taxicab or taxicabs within the city.

D. “Street” means any place commonly used for the purpose of public travel.

E. “Taxicab” means every automobile or motor-propelled vehicle of a distinctive color or colors, and/or of public appearance such as in common usage in this country for taxicabs (e.g., vehicles such as pickup trucks and dune buggies would not normally be used for taxicab purposes), and/or operated at rates per mile, or for wait-time, or for both, and equipped with a taximeter, used for the transportation of passengers for hire over the public streets of the city, and not over a defined route, and irrespective of whether the operations extend beyond the boundary lines of the city, and such vehicle is routed under the direction of such passenger or passengers, or of such persons hiring the same.

G. “Taximeter” means and includes any mechanical or electronic instrument, appliance, device or machine by which the charge for hire of a passenger-carrying vehicle is mechanically or electronically calculated for distance traveled and time consumed, and upon such instrument, appliance, device or machine, such charge is indicated by figures.

H. “Flag drop” means the starting of the taximeter at the time that the taxi is hired. Flag drop may also be understood to mean the initial charge assessed at the time the taxicab is hired. (Ord. 2574 § 2, 1993; Ord. 2408 § 1, 1990; Ord. 2003 § 2, 1982).

5.54.040 Certificate – Application – Contents.

All persons applying for a certificate for the operation of one or more taxicabs shall file a sworn application therefor on forms provided, stating as follows:

A. The name and address of the owner and person applying;

B. The number of vehicles the applicant wishes to be certified to operate in Chula Vista;

C. The intended make, type, year and passenger seating capacity of each taxicab to be operated in Chula Vista;

E. A description of the proposed color scheme, insignia, trade style and/or any other distinguishing characteristics of the proposed taxicab design;

F. Such other information as the police chief may in his discretion require. (Ord. 2408 § 1, 1990; Ord. 2003 § 2, 1982).

5.54.050 Certificate – Application – Investigation required.

Before any application is acted upon, the police chief shall cause an investigation to be made of:

A. The number, kind and type of equipment and the color scheme to be used. All vehicles, if they are more than two years of age, must have on deposit with the city a certification showing that an annual inspection meeting the requirements and standards set forth in CVMC 5.54.055 has been made by an acceptable government agency or an inspection station licensed under Section 9887.1 of the Business and Professions Code of the state and approved by the chief of police or designee. Failure to satisfy said inspection requirements may result in the suspension of the certificate for said vehicle until necessary corrections have been made. Said inspection shall be renewed on an annual basis. All vehicles shall be owned by the certified operator. Where certified operator is an association, each member of the association shall be the owner of that member’s taxicab(s).

B. Each certified operator shall be the owner of said taxicabs and shall maintain said vehicles in a clean and sanitary condition at all times. Where certified operator is an association, each member of the association shall be the owner of that member’s taxicab(s), and be responsible for maintaining that member’s vehicle(s) in a clean and sanitary condition at all times. If any of said taxicabs are leased to drivers by the certified operator, the certified operator shall immediately provide the police chief with a copy of said lease; or names of lessees holding leases in a form previously submitted and on file; provided, however, that such lease arrangement shall not relieve the certified operator of any responsibilities and obligations for the safe maintenance and cleanliness of the taxicabs which has been leased. (Ord. 2574 § 3, 1993; Ord. 2408 § 1, 1990; Ord. 2003 § 2, 1982).

5.54.055 Inspection criteria.

Specific criteria for taxicabs to pass inspection shall be determined and published in policy form by the chief of police or designee. Minimum taxicab standards which must be maintained to comply with this section shall include, but not be limited to, the following:

A. Tires. Tires shall meet the requirements of the California Vehicle Code. Hubcaps or wheel covers shall be on all wheels for which hubcaps or wheel covers are standard equipment.

B. Taximeter. Taximeter shall have been inspected, tested, approved and sealed by an authorized representative of the state of California, and thereafter so maintained in a manner satisfactory to the chief of police or designee. Taximeter shall be working with the inspection seal in its original, unbroken state.

C. Brakes. Brakes, brake lights or brake systems shall be operable and otherwise meet the requirements of the California Vehicle Code. Both the parking and hydraulic or other brake system must be operable.

D. Mirrors. Side and rear-view mirrors shall not be missing or defective.

E. Interior/Exterior. The interior and exterior of the taxicab shall be maintained in a safe and efficient operating condition, and meet California Vehicle Code requirements and the requirements of this chapter at all times when in operation.

F. Interior. The interior of each vehicle and the trunk or luggage area shall be maintained in a reasonably clean condition, free of foreign matter, offensive odors and litter. The seats shall be kept reasonably clean and without large wear spots. The door handles and doors shall be intact and clean. The trunk or luggage area shall be kept empty, except for spare tire and personal container for the driver, not exceeding one cubic foot in volume, and emergency equipment, to allow maximum space for passenger luggage and belongings.

G. Body Condition. There shall be no tears or rust holes in the taxicab body and no loose pieces hanging from the taxicab body. Fenders, bumpers and light trim shall be securely fixed to the taxicab. No extensive unrepaired body damage shall be allowed. The taxicab shall be equipped with front and rear bumpers. The exterior of the taxicab shall be maintained in a reasonably clean condition so as not to obscure the approved color scheme and/or taxicab markings.

H. Paint. The taxicab shall be painted and marked in accordance with CVMC 5.54.260.

I. Lights. Headlights shall be operable on both high and low beam. Taillights, parking lights, signal lights, and interior lights shall all be operable.

J. Wipers. Each taxicab shall be equipped with adequate windshield wipers maintained in good operating condition.

K. Steering. Excessive play in the steering mechanism shall not exceed three inches free play in turning the steering wheel from side to side.

L. Engine. The engine compartment shall be reasonably clean and free of uncontained combustible materials.

M. Mufflers. Mufflers shall be in good operating condition.

N. Windows. The windshield shall be without cracks or chips that could interfere with the driver’s vision. All other windows shall be intact and able to be opened and closed as intended by the manufacturer. The windows and windshield shall be maintained in a reasonably clean condition so as not to obstruct visibility.

O. Door Latches. All door latches shall be operable from both the interior and exterior of the taxicab.

P. Suspension. The taxicab’s suspension system shall be maintained so that there are no sags because of weak or broken springs, or excessive motion when the taxicab is in operation because of weak or defective shock absorbers.

Q. Seats. All seats shall be securely fastened. Seat belts, when required by the California Vehicle Code, shall be installed. The upholstery shall be free of grease, holes, rips, torn seams and burns.

R. Each taxicab shall be equipped with a device which shall plainly indicate to a person outside the taxicab whether the taximeter is in operation or is not in operation.

S. Each taxicab shall be assigned a body number by the certified operator. The trade name and body number shall be painted or permanently affixed in letters and numerals no less than four inches high on both sides and the rear of the taxicab.

T. All taxicabs shall be equipped and operated so that they may be dispatched by two-way radio communication or other communication systems, as may be approved for such use by the chief of police, in response to a telephone or other request for service by a prospective passenger.

U. All taxicabs shall be equipped with a light on top clearly identifying the taxicabs as taxicabs.

V. Any other aspect of the taxicab’s condition shall exist which reasonably and rationally pertains to the operating safety of the taxicab or to passenger or pedestrian safety.

Any taxicab which fails to meet the requirements of the California Vehicle Code, this section or other inspection criteria, as delineated in policy form by the chief of police, shall be immediately ordered out-of-service by the inspecting individual or agency. Said agency shall immediately inform the chief of police or designee of any such actions.

Ordering a taxicab out-of-service does not constitute a suspension or revocation of the permit. Permits for taxicabs which have been ordered out-of-service may be transferred to other taxicabs owned by the same certified operator which did not carry a valid permit for the city of Chula Vista.

Resumption of in-service status shall be contingent upon remedy of any deficiencies or violations noted in the failed inspection. For all taxicabs so reinstated to in-service status, the inspecting individual or agency shall immediately inform the chief of police or designee of any such actions. (Ord. 2574 § 4, 1993).

5.54.060 Certificates issued by police chief.

The police chief shall grant a certificate to those persons applying therefor who, in his opinion, are fully qualified in accordance with the requirements of this chapter. No certificate shall be issued to any person who has not fully complied with all of the requirements of this chapter necessary to be complied with before the commencement of the operation of the proposed service.

With each certificate issued, the police chief shall issue a numbered medallion of a distinctive design. The certificate holder shall cause the medallion to be fixed to the outside left rear portion of each taxicab to be operated in Chula Vista. The medallion shall be fixed in a position in plain view from the rear of the taxicab. Medallions which are lost or defaced by accident, etc., shall be reported to and replaced by the police chief. (Ord. 2408 § 1, 1990; Ord. 2003 § 2, 1982).

5.54.070 Certificate for existing licensed taxicabs.

The provisions of this chapter shall be effective immediately for new operators and on January 1, 1983 for existing operators. (Ord. 2003 § 2, 1982).

5.54.080 Certificate – Cancellation as certified operator.

After the service for which a certificate is granted in this chapter is discontinued, or if the certified person sells or discontinues his or its business, except as provided in this chapter, the certificate granted under this chapter shall be automatically cancelled and shall be reissued only in accordance with the provisions of this chapter.

Each certificate issued pursuant to the provisions of this chapter is separate and distinct and shall be transferable from the person to whom issued or by whom renewed to another person upon the approval of the police chief; provided, however, that where a certificate is issued pursuant to the provisions of this chapter to a form of legal entity wherein control is evidenced by shares of stock or such other evidence of ownership (including, but not necessarily limited to, a corporation, partnership, a joint venture, a joint stock company, or a business trust) and the majority interest in said entity is transferred from that entity to another person or entity, said transfer, whether voluntary, by operation of law or otherwise, shall be made only upon the approval of the police chief. The application for the transfer of said certificate shall certify that the owner of said certificate has notified the proposed transferee of the requirements of this chapter pertaining to the transfer of said certificate; and whenever such application for a transfer of certificate is made as provided for in this chapter, the police chief shall cause an investigation to be made. (Ord. 2408 § 1, 1990; Ord. 2003 § 2, 1982).

5.54.090 Insurance required.

It is unlawful to operate any taxicab unless there shall be on file with the city of Chula Vista a currently valid certificate of insurance executed and delivered by a company admitted by the California Department of Insurance; or, if not admitted in California, a company which shall have a Best’s Key Rating Guide rating of “A”, Class V or shall otherwise meet with the approval of the city, certifying that such insurance company extends business automobile liability insurance coverage to the operator and all of the agents and employees of said operator.

The certificate shall be accompanied by a policy endorsement which names the city of Chula Vista and all of its officers and employees as additional insured and provides cross-liability protection to the employees of the city of Chula Vista in the same manner as if they were members of the public. The certificate shall demonstrate and certify that the operator is insured against the risk of loss due to property damage and bodily injury caused to members of the public, including taxicab customers, in the amount of $50,000 for property damage, $100,000 per injury, $300,000 per occurrence, or $300,000, combined single limit, and shall further show the amount of the self-insured retention, if any, under said policy. The certificate shall provide for a 30-day written notification of policy cancellation, or if retention is greater than $5,000, the certified operator shall provide financial information to the satisfaction of the city which proves financial responsibility for the amount of the self-insured retention. The city shall have the option to require the operator to demonstrate to the city the policy itself referred to in the certificate, and on failure to do so within five days, to revoke the business license. (Ord. 2564 § 1, 1993; Ord. 2408 § 1, 1990; Ord. 2003 § 2, 1982).

5.54.100 Fare rates.

From and after May 6, 1980, upon which date the city council concluded a public hearing, and established maximum rates of fare for the hire of taxicabs within the city, the following rules shall apply for the establishment of rates of fare:

A. Each certified operator shall file with the police chief the rate of fare that said operator shall charge for taxicab service. Each such certified operator shall set the taximeter for the rate said operator will charge, and prominently post rates on each side of the taxicab in block letters of not less than one inch in height and in a location where rates can be easily read by prospective passengers.

B. If a certified operator desires to change the rate of fare on file in the office of the police chief, said operator shall file with the police chief the new rates, reset the meter, and post the revised rates on each side of the taxicab as provided in this section.

C. It is unlawful for a certified operator to operate any taxicab in the city unless the vehicle is equipped with a taximeter designed to calculate fare upon the basis of a combination of mileage traveled and time elapsed. When operative with respect to fare indication, the fare-indicating mechanism shall be actuated by the mileage mechanism whenever the vehicle is in motion at such a speed that the rate of mileage revenue equals or exceeds the time rate, and may be actuated by the time mechanism whenever the vehicle speed is less than this and when the vehicle is not in motion. Means shall be provided for the vehicle operator to render the time mechanism either operative or inoperative with respect to the fare-indicating mechanism. Waiting time shall include all time when a taxicab occupied or engaged by a passenger is not in motion or is traveling at a speed which is slow enough for the time rate to exceed the mileage rate; waiting time will also include the time consumed while standing at the direction of the passenger or person who has engaged such taxicab. It shall be the duty of every permit holder operating a taxicab to keep such taximeter in such proper condition so that said taximeter will, at all times, correctly and accurately indicate the charge for the distance traveled and waiting time. The taximeter shall be at all times subject to inspection by any peace officer, and such peace officer is authorized at his instance or upon complaint of any person to investigate or cause to be investigated such taximeter, and upon discovery of any inaccuracy in said taximeter, or if the taximeter is unsealed, to remove or cause to be removed the vehicle equipped with such taximeter from the streets of the city, until the taximeter has been correctly adjusted and sealed before being returned to service.

D. It is unlawful for any driver of a taxicab while carrying passengers to display the flag or device attached to the taximeter in such a position as to denote that the vehicle is for hire, or is not employed, or to have the flag or other attached device in such a position as to prevent the taximeter from operating, and it is unlawful for any driver to throw the flag into a position which causes the taximeter to record when the vehicle is not actually employed, or to fail to throw the flag or other device into a nonrecording position at the termination of each and every service.

E. The taximeter shall be so placed in the taxicab that the reading dial showing the amount of fare to be charged shall be well lighted and readily discernible by the passenger riding in such taxicab.

F. It is unlawful for any certified operator and/or driver of a taxicab to demand of a passenger a charge for hire greater than the current maximum rate approved by the city council or the rate which said certified operator shall have on file with the office of the police chief.

G. There shall be displayed in the passenger compartment of each taxicab, well-lighted and readily discernible by the passenger, in a container of type and design approved by the police chief, a card showing the operator’s rates to be charged for hire of the vehicle. (Ord. 2408 § 1, 1990; Ord. 2003 § 2, 1982).

5.54.110 Certificate – Cancelled when.

After the service for which a certificate is granted under this chapter is discontinued, or if the person sells or discontinues his or its business, the certificate granted under this chapter shall be automatically cancelled and shall be reissued only in accordance with the provisions of this chapter. (Ord. 2003 § 2, 1982).

5.54.120 Certificate – Grounds for suspension or revocation.

A. Certificates may be suspended or revoked by the police chief if:

1. The owner fails to operate the taxicab or taxicabs in accordance with the provisions of this chapter;

2. The taxicab or taxicabs are operated at a rate of fare other than that which the certified operator shall have on file with the police chief.

B. The city manager or police chief may suspend or revoke a certificate where the owner’s past record involved violations of city, state or federal law or endangered the public safety. (Ord. 2718 § 1, 1998; Ord. 2408 § 1, 1990; Ord. 2003 § 2, 1982).

5.54.130 Certificate – To be surrendered when.

Certificates which shall have been suspended or revoked by the police chief shall be surrendered to the police chief and the operation of any taxicab or taxicabs covered by such certificates shall cease. Any owner who shall permanently retire any taxicab or taxicabs from taxicab service and not replace same within 30 days thereof shall immediately surrender any certificate or certificates granted for the operation of such taxicab or taxicabs to the police chief, and such owner may not secure additional certificates for the operation of any taxicab or taxicabs without having first made application therefor, in the manner provided in this chapter. (Ord. 2408 § 1, 1990; Ord. 2003 § 2, 1982).

5.54.140 Route required.

Any driver employed to transport passengers to a definite point shall take the most direct route possible that will carry the passenger to his destination safely and expeditiously. (Ord. 2003 § 2, 1982).

5.54.150 Receipts for passengers.

Every driver shall give a correct receipt upon payment of the correct fare. (Ord. 2003 § 2, 1982).

5.54.160 Fare – Nonpayment deemed infraction when.

It is unlawful for any person to refuse to pay the lawful fare of any of the vehicles regulated by this chapter, after employing or hiring the same, and any person who shall hire such vehicle with intent to defraud the person from whom it is hired shall be guilty of an infraction. (Ord. 2003 § 2, 1982).

5.54.170 Soliciting for patronage prohibited when.

No driver of any taxicab shall seek employment by repeatedly and persistently driving his vehicle to and from, in a short space in front of, or by otherwise interfering with the proper and orderly access to, or egress from, any theater, hall, hotel, public resort, railway or ferry station, or other place of public gathering; or by leaving his vehicle, or otherwise approaching and soliciting patronage by pedestrians upon the sidewalk, in any theater, hall, hotel, public resort, railway or ferry station, or street railway loading point; but such driver may solicit employment by driving through any public street or place without stops, other than those due to obstruction of traffic, and at such speed as not to interfere with or impede traffic. No person shall solicit passengers for such vehicles except the driver thereof, when sitting upon the driver’s seat of his vehicle. (Ord. 2003 § 2, 1982).

5.54.180 Exceeding rated seating capacity prohibited.

No driver of any taxicab shall accept, take into his vehicle or transport any larger number of passengers than the rated seating capacity of his vehicle. (Ord. 2003 § 2, 1982).

5.54.190 Parking prohibited where – Exceptions.

It is unlawful for the owner, driver or operator of any taxicab to allow such taxicab to remain parked in the central traffic district, except in a regularly established taxicab stand; provided, however, that taxicabs may park in any available parking space when actually engaged in loading or unloading passengers; and provided further, that between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. of the following day, taxicabs may stop, stand or park in any place where the parking of vehicles is otherwise permitted. (Ord. 2003 § 2, 1982).

5.54.200 Obedience to orders of police and firefighters required.

The driver of any of the vehicles regulated by this chapter shall promptly obey all orders or instructions of any police officer or firefighters. (Ord. 2408 § 1, 1990; Ord. 2003 § 2, 1982).

5.54.210 Drivers’ permits required.

It is unlawful for any person to drive or operate any of the vehicles mentioned in CVMC 5.54.020 without first obtaining a taxicab driver’s identification card issued by the sheriff of the county. (Ord. 2003 § 2, 1982).

5.54.220 Taxicab stands – Established – Designation.

The council may by resolution locate and designate taxicab stands, which stands when so established shall be appropriately designated “Taxis Only.” (Ord. 2003 § 2, 1982).

5.54.230 Taxicab stands – Unattended vehicles prohibited when.

It is unlawful for any taxicab to remain standing in any established taxicab stand unless such cab is attended by a driver or operator, except when assisting passengers to load or unload, or when answering his telephone. (Ord. 2003 § 2, 1982).

5.54.240 Taxicab stands – Hours of operation.

Taxicab stands established hereunder shall be in operation 24 hours of every day. (Ord. 2003 § 2, 1982).

5.54.250 Certificate – Number to be displayed on vehicle.

Each taxicab shall bear, at such places on the outside of such vehicle as shall be prescribed by the police chief, the number of the certificate granted for its operation and such designation shall be of the type and design as shall be prescribed by the police chief. (Ord. 2408 § 1, 1990; Ord. 2003 § 2, 1982).

5.54.260 Color scheme restrictions.

All taxicabs must be and conform to a color scheme approved by the police chief, who may refuse a certificate to every person whose color scheme, trade name or insignia imitates that of any permittee in such manner as to deceive the public. (Ord. 2408 § 1, 1990; Ord. 2003 § 2, 1982).

5.54.270 Information cards – Display required where – Contents.

Each taxicab licensed to operate in this city shall have located in a convenient place in the driver’s compartment and in view of the passenger thereof two containers of type and design approved by the police chief. Such containers shall contain cards provided by the police chief bearing the following information:

A. One such container shall have a card therein bearing:

1. The permit number issued for each individual taxicab licensed to operate in the city;

2. The name of the company to whom it is issued;

3. The date of issuance;

4. The state license plate number and engine number of the taxicab displaying same.

B. One such container shall have a card therein bearing:

1. The number of the city chauffeur’s license of the driver thereof;

2. The name and residence address of such driver;

3. The name of the company employing such driver;

4. A small photograph of such driver. (Ord. 2408 § 1, 1990; Ord. 2003 § 2, 1982).

5.54.280 Violation – Penalty.

A. Any person violating any of the provisions of this chapter shall be deemed guilty of an infraction, and upon conviction thereof, shall be punished by forfeiture of his permit, and by a fine as provided by this code.

B. For the purpose of this chapter, it shall be considered that each day during which any provision of this chapter is violated shall constitute a separate and distinct offense. (Ord. 2003 § 2, 1982).

5.54.290 Appeals to city council.

Any actions taken by the police chief under this chapter are appealable to the city manager pursuant to Chapter 1.40 CVMC. An appeal to the city manager must be filed with the city manager and appropriate appeal fees paid within 10 days of the action of the police chief. (Ord. 2718 § 1, 1998; Ord. 2408 § 1, 1990; Ord. 2003 § 2, 1982).