TITLE VI—BUSINESS, PROFESSIONS AND TRADES

CHAPTER 2—BUSINESS REGULATION Revised 5/23 Amended Ord. 1567

(Ord. 1093, eff. 1/02/1987; Amd. Ord. 1177, eff. 9/10/1991; Ord. 1184, 4/3/1992; Ord. 1193, eff. 7/31/1992;Ord. 1194, eff. 9/4/1992; Ord. 1274, eff. 10/31/1997)

ARTICLE 1—VEHICLES FOR HIRE

Sec. 6100 Definitions (Ord. 1184, eff. 4/3/1992; Ord. 1194, eff. 9/4/1992)

As used in this chapter, the following terms are defined as follows unless a particular provision expressly defines a term otherwise:

(a)    The term "taxicabs" shall mean every vehicle for hire used to transport passengers wholly or primarily over the public streets of the City of Arcata. Destination and route of such taxicab transportation is under the direction of the passenger or other person who hired the taxicab. This vehicle is one of an appearance that is commonly used in this state for taxicabs, and is operated at rates per mile, or for waiting time, or both. A taxicab is hired on demand in response to calls from members of the general public. Vehicles shall maintain a Trip Log.

(b)    The term "Lift Vehicle" shall mean a vehicle for hire used to transport passengers at a predetermined cost between locations that originate and/or terminate within the corporate limits of the City of Arcata, where said transport is for non medical, non-emergency use only. The route of such lift vehicle transportation shall not be under the direction of the passenger or any other person who hired the vehicle. A lift vehicle is hired by prescheduling at least two (2) hours in advance of pick up by members of the general public. A lift vehicle may provide wheelchair access but it may not provide gurney service. Oxygen assistance equipment shall be permitted on lift vehicles if such equipment is provided and maintained by the passenger or other client and not the lift vehicle operator or driver. Vehicles shall maintain a trip log.

(c)    The term "Trip Log" shall mean all vehicles for hire shall carry a trip log when in service. This log shall show, name, time of call, time of pick-up, time of drop-off, origin and destination. All logs will be available for inspection upon request.

(d)    All other vehicles or devices, whether motorized or non-motorized, that are in, upon, or by which any person or property is or may be transported or drawn upon a public street or highway, except used exclusively upon stationary rails or tracks.

Sec. 6101 Permit or License required.

(a)    No person owning or leasing a public vehicle for hire shall operate or cause or permit to be operated any such vehicle within the corporate limits of the City of Arcata, unless such person shall hold the appropriate permit as follows:

(1)    A vehicle permit shall be required whenever said public vehicle for hire is operated to pick-up and/or drop-off passengers within the corporate limits of the City of Arcata;

(2)    A business license shall be required whenever said public vehicle for hire is operated only to drop-off passengers within the corporate limits of the City of Arcata.

(b)    Vehicle permits are issued pursuant to this Article. Business licenses are issued pursuant to Title VI, Chapter 1, Article 1 of the Arcata Municipal Code. In no case shall both a vehicle permit and a Business License be required. The vehicle permit or business license is required in addition to a vehicle for hire driver’s permit as Specified in Section 6120.

Sec. 6101.1 Application for Vehicle Permit (Amd. Ord. 1274, eff. 10/31/1997)

(a)    An application for a vehicle permit may be obtained from the City Clerk’s office on forms provided by the City of Arcata. The City Council shall grant the vehicle permit in writing upon satisfactory showing by the applicant that he/she and his/her vehicle meets the following qualifications:

(1)    The vehicle must meet all requirements of the Vehicle Code of the State of California in regard to equipment and mechanical condition specified for vehicles of the appropriate class.

(2)    The vehicle must have posted in open view of the passenger an intelligible and legible statement of fares and charges to be made in the use of such vehicle.

(3)    The owner or lessee of any public vehicle for hire must procure and maintain insurance against claims for injuries to persons or damages to property which may arise against him/her by the reason of the operation of such vehicle. The coverages, minimum limits of insurance, deductibles, and self-insured retentions, as well as all other insurance provisions, shall be for an amount satisfactory to the City. City reserves the right to require verification of coverage in a form acceptable to the City.

(4)    It must appear that public convenience and necessity require the operation of the vehicle. To comply with this provision, the applicant must show that vehicles of the same kind already holding vehicle permits under this section are inadequate in number, unsatisfactory in service, or otherwise unable to provide transportation for hire commensurate with the demand for such transportation in the City of Arcata.

(5)    Lift vehicles shall meet all of the requirements of the vehicle code of the State of California specified for vehicles of the appropriate class.

(b)    Any vehicle permit issued under this Article shall have a duration of five years provided the annual vehicle permit fee therefore is paid in accordance with the provisions of this Article and subject to the right of the City Council to revoke or suspend each vehicle permit pursuant to the terms of this Article. Unless suspended or revoked, the vehicle permit shall be renewed upon application for renewal made to the Transit Office.

(c)    Permit Fees. The owner or lessee of any vehicle operated with a vehicle permit under this Article shall pay to the City Clerk of the City of Arcata, an annual permit fee, as set forth in the Schedule of Fees adopted by resolution of the City Council, for each vehicle operated pursuant to the permit. No vehicle permit issued under the provisions of this Article shall be valid until the City Clerk of the City of Arcata endorses thereon an acknowledgment of the payment of such permit fee for the current year.

Sec. 6101.2 Suspension, revocation of Vehicle Permit

(a)    No person shall operate, or cause or permit to be operated, any public vehicle for hire within the corporate limits of the City of Arcata whenever a vehicle permit for such vehicle for hire has been suspended or revoked as provided in this Article.

(b)    The City Council may in its discretion, revoke or suspend a vehicle permit if the City Council determines that anyone of the following conditions exists:

(1)    The permittee or his/her vehicle no longer meets any of the qualifications required for the vehicle permit; provided, however, that no vehicle permit shall be suspended or revoked upon the sole ground that public convenience or necessity no longer requires the operation of such vehicle.

(2)    The permittee has been convicted as owner or lessee of a vehicle for hire of a violation of the restrictions imposed upon him/her under this section; or the permittee has become bankrupt.

(3)    The permittee’s vehicle has ceased to be a fit and proper vehicle to be operated as a public vehicle for hire for any other reasonable cause.

(c)    For the purpose of ascertaining whether any cause exists for the suspension or revocation of a vehicle permit under this section, the Chief of Police of the City of Arcata, may, and on direction of the City Council or upon complaint, shall investigate the conduct of permittee, the sufficiency and validity of his/her security, and the condition of his/her vehicle.

Sec. 6101.3 Emergency/Interim Service.

Under the following circumstances, the City Manager or his/her designee may permit vehicles to be operated as taxicabs within the corporate limits of the City of Arcata without having first obtained a vehicle permit:

(1)    An emergency situation exists in which the current permit holder is not able to meet the demand for vehicle for hire service, or

(2)    During the interim period between the time an existing permit holder’s permit lapses, is suspended or becomes revoked and the time the existing permit holder obtains a new permit or a new permit is issued to another party.

Sec. 6102 Fares.

No person owning, operating or controlling any vehicle for hire shall demand, charge, collect or receive any greater fares or charges than those which shall be determined as fair and reasonable by the City Council of the City of Arcata for licensee under this Article. Said fares shall be set by said Council upon hearing by resolution.

Sec. 6103 Fares and charges - Changes in.

(a)    The City Council may from time to time, in its discretion and by resolution, fix, alter, change, amend or revise the charges and rates for vehicles for hire as may then appear to the Council as reasonable. The owner or lessee of any vehicle for hire shall be given an opportunity to show cause why or why not fares should be raised or lowered.

(b)    Any owner or lessee of a vehicle for hire may at any time petition the City Council for a change in fares or charges.

Sec. 6104 Standards of conduct.

No person driving or operating a public vehicle for hire shall, while operating such vehicle:

(a)    Refuse without good cause to accept as a passenger any person desiring transportation who shall tender money sufficient to pay his/her fare to his/her stated destination.

(b)    Attempt to secure passengers by shouts, cries, or loud noises, or by laying hands upon the person or baggage of any person without the consent of such person; or by obstructing the movements of, or persistently following any person; or by loitering or repeatedly driving his/her vehicle back and forth in the immediate neighborhood of any individual stand set apart for another vehicle than his/her own, or in the neighborhood of any place of especial public resort.

(c)    Transport passengers to their stated destination over an unnecessarily circuitous route; provided that this provision shall not apply to sightseeing buses.

(d)    Refuse to load and unload for any passenger such hand luggage as may not exceed the reasonable internal capacity of the vehicle, and such other baggage as may not reasonably exceed its capacity in trunk or top; or, after being requested, refuse to carry such baggage to or from such buildings as the passenger may enter or leave.

(e)    Make false representations by work, act, conduct, or appearance regarding the name or identity of persons owning or leasing the public vehicle for hire he/she operates, or regarding his/her own identity; or refuse to give his/her name to any person requesting same.

(f)    Refuse or fail, after being requested, to give a receipt for any fare paid.

(g)    Fail or refuse to allow an appropriate deduction from any fare established by this Article for any time lost through disability or break-down of his/her vehicle, or through any private purpose of his/her own.

(h)    Carry more than one person at a time in such vehicle unless every person to be carried in such vehicle consent thereto.

Sec. 6105 Maintenance.

No person owning or leasing any public vehicle for hire shall, while such vehicle so owned or leased is being operated, fail to maintain, as to such vehicles, the qualifications required for a vehicle permit.

Sec. 6106 Vehicle for hire stands.

The Council may by resolution locate and designate vehicle for hire stands, which stands when so established shall be appropriately designated "Vehicle for Hire only".

Sec. 6107 Same: Time of operation.

Vehicle for hire stands established hereunder shall be in operation for twenty-four (24) hours every day.

Sec. 6108 Same: Number of vehicles for hire.

Only two (2) vehicles for hire belonging to any one company or owner shall be permitted in any vehicle-for-hire stand at any one time.

Sec. 6109 Vehicle for hire must be attended.

It shall be unlawful for any vehicle for hire to remain standing in any established stand unless said vehicle for hire is attended by a driver or operator, except when said driver or operator is assisting passengers to load or unload, when answering his/her telephone, or when situated at a stand abutting the principal place of business of said vehicle for hire company.

Sec. 6110 Parking vehicles for hire.

No driver of any vehicle for hire shall park his/her vehicle for hire on any of the streets of this City, except for the purpose of loading and unloading passengers as it is herein provided, unless in a regularly established vehicle for hire stand.

Sec. 6111 Exclusive parking.

The parking of vehicles other than vehicles for hire in regularly established vehicle for hire stands is prohibited.

Sec. 6120 Vehicle for Hire Driver’s Permit.

No person shall operate a vehicle for hire for hire upon the streets of the City of Arcata, and no person who owns or controls a vehicle for hire shall permit it to be so driven, and no vehicle for hire licensed by the City of Arcata shall be so driven at any time for hire, unless the driver of said vehicle for hire shall have first obtained and shall have then in force a vehicle for hire driver’s permit issued under the provisions of this Article.

Sec. 6121 Application for Driver’s Permit. (Amd. Ord. 1274, eff. 10/31/1997)

(a)    An application for vehicle for hire driver’s permit may be obtained from the City Clerk’s office and shall be filed with the Chief of Police on forms provided by the City of Arcata; and such application shall be verified under oath and shall contain the following information:

(1)    The names and addresses of four residents of the City of Arcata who have known the applicant for a period of one (1) year and who will vouch for the sobriety, honesty and general good character of the applicant.

(2)    The experience of the applicant in the transportation of passengers.

(3)    The educational background of the applicant.

(4)    A concise history of his/her employment.

(5)    Two I.D. photos and a driving record obtained from the California Department of Motor Vehicles.

(b)    Each application shall be accompanied by a certificate from a reputable physician certifying that, in his/her opinion, the applicant is not inflicted with any disease or infirmity which might make him/her an unsafe or unsatisfactory driver. (Certificate form is provided with the application packet provided by the City.)

(c)    At the time the application is filed, the applicant shall pay to the City Clerk such fee as may be established from time to time by resolution of the City Council.

(d)    During the interim period between the time of application and the final approval, the Public Transportation Manager may issue a temporary drivers permit.

Sec. 6122 Examination of applicant - Current State motor vehicle operator’s permit required.

Before any application for a driver’s permit is evaluated by the Chief of Police, the applicant shall be required to pass a satisfactory examination as to his/her knowledge of the City of Arcata streets, including their layout and design. Said applicant must further show that he/she has a current motor vehicle operator’s permit issued by the State of California. Said examination shall be given by the Chief of Police.

Sec. 6123 Police investigation of applicant - Traffic and police record.

The Police Department shall conduct an investigation of each applicant and a report of such investigation and a copy of the traffic and police record of the applicant, if any, shall be attached to the application for the consideration of the Chief of Police.

Sec. 6124 Consideration of application.

The Chief of Police shall upon consideration of the application and reports and certificate required to be attached thereto shall approve or reject the application.

If the application is rejected, the applicant may request a personal appearance before the Chief of Police to offer evidence why his/her application should be reconsidered.

Sec. 6125 Issuance of permit; Duration; Annual fee.

Upon approval of an application for a driver’s permit the Chief of Police shall issue a license to the applicant which shall bear the name, address, age, signature and photograph of the applicant.

Such permit shall be in effect for the remainder of the calendar year. A permit for every calendar year thereafter shall issue upon the payment of a fee, as set forth in the Schedule of Fees adopted by Resolution of the City Council, unless the permit for the preceding year has been revoked. (Ord. 1193, eff. 7/31/1992)

Sec. 6126 Display of permit.

Every driver licensed under this Article shall post his/her vehicle for hire driver’s permit in such a place as to be in full view of all passengers while such driver is operating a vehicle for hire.

Sec. 6127 Suspension and revocation of permit.

The Chief of Police is hereby given the authority to suspend any driver’s permit issued under this Article for a driver’s failing or refusing to comply with the provisions of this Article, such suspension to last for a period of not more than 30 days. The Chief of Police is also given authority to revoke any driver’s permit for failure to comply with the provisions of this Article. However, a permit may not be revoked unless the driver has received notice and has had an opportunity to present evidence in his/her behalf.

Sec. 6128 Failure to comply with city, state, and federal laws.

Every driver permitted under this Article shall comply with all City, State and Federal laws. Failure to do so will justify the Chief of Police suspending or revoking a permit.

Sec. 6129 Penalty.

Any person who shall violate any of the provisions of this Article shall be guilty of an infraction.

Sec. 6130 Appeal.

Any person aggrieved by the suspension or revocation of a permit issued pursuant to this Article may appeal that decision to the Arcata City Council, whose decision shall be final. Every such appeal must be filed in writing with the City Clerk within 10 days of the action being appealed.

ARTICLE 2—PEDICAB

Sec. 6200 Definitions. Amended Ord. 1567

As used in this Article, the following terms are defined as follows unless a particular provision expressly defines a term otherwise:

(a)    “Operator” means an individual who operates a pedicab whether as an owner, employee or independent contractor.

(b)    “Owner” means any person who owns, leases, or otherwise has possession of a pedicab.

(c)    “Pedicab” means a device operated for hire upon which any person may ride, propelled exclusively by human power through a belt, chain or gears, and having two (2) or more wheels, or a “motorized bicycle” as defined by the California Vehicle Code §406(b), constructed in such a manner as to engage in the business of carrying passengers for hire.

(d)    “Public Transportation Superintendent” means the City of Arcata Public Transportation Superintendent. (Ord. 1410, eff. 7/1/2011)

Sec. 6201 Owner and operator permits required. Amended Ord. 1567

The following permits must be obtained before any person may operate a pedicab for hire upon any public street within the City of Arcata:

(a)    Owner’s permit. The owner of a pedicab shall apply for and obtain an owner’s permit from the Public Transportation Superintendent’s Office as provided in Section 6202 of this Article.

(b)    Operator’s permit. The operator of a pedicab shall apply for and obtain an operator’s permit from the Public Transportation Superintendent’s Office as provided in Section 6203 of this Article.

(c)    Motorized devices or vehicles owned and operated for hire that do not meet the definition of “motorized bicycle” found in California Vehicle Code §406(b) must obtain a vehicle for hire permit in accordance with Title VI, Chapter 2, Article 1 of the Arcata Municipal Code.

(d)    The pedicab permits required by this Article satisfy the City of Arcata business license requirement of Arcata Municipal Code Title VI, Chapter 1, and a separate business license will not be required to own and operate a pedicab. (Ord. 1410, eff. 7/1/2011)

Sec. 6202 Application for pedicab owner’s permit. Amended Ord. 1567

(a)    An application for a pedicab owner’s permit may be obtained from and filed with the Public Transportation Superintendent’s Office, together with the applicable filing fee as established by the resolution of the City Council. All applications shall be signed and verified under oath and will contain an acknowledgement that the application may be denied or the permit suspended or revoked if the applicant misrepresents any material fact in the application. An application for owner’s permit shall contain at a minimum the following information:

(1)    The owner’s full name, address and type of ownership;

(2)    A description of the vehicle type and serial or other identifying number;

(3)    Copies of any and all special license plates and identification cards that may be required by the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to operate motorized bicycles as pedicabs;

(4)    Pedicab seating capacity;

(5)    Route(s) or area(s) over which the applicant proposes to operate;

(6)    Whether the applicant has ever been convicted of a felony or a misdemeanor and, if so, the details thereof; and

(7)    Such other information as the Public Transportation Superintendent determines is necessary to evaluate whether the applicant can own a pedicab for operation in such a manner that does not endanger or pose a threat of harm to the public. (Ord. 1410, eff. 7/1/2011)

Sec. 6203 Pedicab operator’s permit application. Amended Ord. 1567

(a)    Application for a pedicab operator’s permit shall be made in writing using a form prescribed by and filed with the Public Transportation Superintendent’s Office together with the applicable filing fee as established by the resolution of the City Council. All applications shall be signed and verified under oath and will contain an acknowledgement that the application may be denied or the permit suspended or revoked if the applicant misrepresents any material facts in the application. An application for operator’s permit shall at a minimum contain the following information:

(1)    The applicant’s full name, residence address, date of birth and California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) license number, if required;

(2)    The names and addresses of four (4) personal references who have known the applicant for a period of one (1) year and who have personal knowledge regarding the sobriety, honesty and general character of the applicant;

(3)    The applicant’s experience transporting passengers for hire;

(4)    A concise summary of the applicant’s employment history;

(5)    If the applicant is not the pedicab owner, the application must include a letter from the owner authorizing the operator permit application and stating the owner’s intent to employ the applicant as a pedicab operator;

(6)    Two recent and readily identifiable photographs of the applicant;

(7)    A licensed physician’s certification that the applicant does not have any condition that might make him/her an unsafe or unsatisfactory operator (certificate form is provided with the permit application packet);

(8)    Whether the applicant:

(i)    Has ever been convicted of a felony or a misdemeanor and, if so, the details thereof; and

(ii)    Has ever been licensed as a driver or chauffeur and, if so, whether such license has ever been revoked and for what cause;

(9)    Such other information as the Public Transportation Superintendent or Chief of Police determines is necessary to evaluate whether the applicant can operate a pedicab in such a manner that does not endanger or pose a threat of harm to the public.

(b)    Prior to receiving an operator’s permit, the applicant shall be required to pass an examination administered by the Public Transportation Superintendent as to his/her knowledge of the City of Arcata’s streets, traffic laws and rules.

(c)    The operator must allow a complete set of his or her fingerprints to be taken as part of the application process.

(d)    While the permit application is under review, the Public Transportation Superintendent may issue a temporary pedicab operator’s permit if the Superintendent reasonably determines that the applicant’s temporary operation of a pedicab would not pose a threat of harm to the public, and if the Chief of Police so concurs. A temporary permit will not vest any right in the applicant to receive a regular operator’s permit. (Ord. 1410, eff. 7/1/2011)

Sec. 6204 Insurance requirements. Amended Ord. 1567

In order to ensure the safety of the public, all pedicab owners, and all pedicab operators who are not employees of the owner, shall obtain and file with the Public Transportation Superintendent prior to causing the operation of a pedicab a policy of insurance in such form and on such terms and conditions as the Public Transportation Superintendent determines reasonable, insuring and indemnifying the City against loss or damage that may result to any person or property from the operation of a pedicab or pedicabs. (Ord. 1410, eff. 7/1/2011)

Sec. 6205 Action on permit applications. Amended Ord. 1567

(a)    Complete permit applications will be reviewed and acted on by the Public Transportation Superintendent. An application deemed incomplete by the Public Transportation Superintendent shall be returned to the applicant.

(b)    Complete applications for owner’s permits will be reviewed to determine whether:

(1)    The applicant would be able to own a pedicab for operation in a manner that will not endanger or pose a threat of harm to the public;

(2)    The applicant has satisfied all insurance requirements set forth in Section 6204;

(3)    The pedicab is adequate or safe for the purpose intended and adequately equipped with safety devices; and

(4)    The route and/or routes or area over which the applicant proposes to operate can safely accommodate pedicabs in view of the condition of the existing roads or the traffic thereon. This determination shall be made after consultation with the Director of Public Works.

(c)    Complete applications for operator’s permits shall be referred to the Chief of Police for review and recommendation. The Public Transportation Superintendent may not issue an operator’s permit if the Chief of Police recommends denial. In the event of a recommendation of denial by the Chief of Police, the applicant may request a personal appearance before the Chief of Police to offer evidence as to why his or her application should be reconsidered.

(d)    The issuance of either an owner’s permit or operator’s permit shall rest within the sound and reasonable discretion of the Public Transportation Superintendent pertaining to the public interest and safety. Notwithstanding this discretion vested in the Superintendent, no permit will be issued under the following circumstances:

(1)    Upon discovery that the applicant made a material misrepresentation of fact in his/her application;

(2)    The applicant’s failure to comply with the insurance requirements of Section 6204;

(3)    The Chief of Police’s recommendation to deny an operator’s permit.

(e)    Permits will be numbered and must be affixed to the right-hand side of the pedicab in a prominently visible manner as required by the Public Transportation Superintendent. (Ord. 1410, eff. 7/1/2011)

Sec. 6206 Permit duration; Annual fee. Amended Ord. 1567

Pedicab permits shall be in effect for the remainder of the calendar year in which first issued, and shall be renewed each calendar year thereafter, unless otherwise revoked, upon application to the Public Transportation Superintendent and payment of the annual renewal fee adopted by resolution of the City Council. (Ord. 1410, eff. 7/1/2011)

Sec. 6207 Fare schedule.

Prior to beginning any pedicab ride, pedicab operators shall provide the passenger with a written statement of the fare to be charged. The operator may not charge a higher fare for that particular ride unless the destination changes or unless agreed to by the passenger, and a written statement of the change is provided in advance to the passenger. (Ord. 1410, eff. 7/1/2011)

Sec. 6208 Display of fare.

A statement shall be permanently affixed to the outside of the pedicab in a frame covered with glass, printed in plain, legible letters and in a place readily viewable to passengers substantially similar to the following: “The fare for each ride shall be given in writing prior to the beginning of the ride, and shall not increase unless the passenger changes the destination during the ride or the passenger otherwise agrees to an increased fare, and any change shall be made in writing.” The statement shall additionally include a City of Arcata contact phone number. (Ord. 1410, eff. 7/1/2011)

Sec. 6209 Operating regulations.

(a)    Every person operating a pedicab shall be subject to all applicable laws, rules and regulations of the Arcata Municipal Code and the California Vehicle Code.

(b)    All pedicabs shall be operated, or cause to be operated, in accordance with the following minimum standards:

(1)    By a person who is eighteen (18) years of age or older;

(2)    While not under the influence of any alcoholic beverage or drug, or under the combined influence of any alcoholic beverage and drug;

(3)    In a manner which does not impede or block the normal or reasonable movement of pedestrian or vehicular traffic unless such operation is necessary for safe operation or in compliance with law;

(4)    With headlights and taillights during nighttime operation;

(5)    Without any attached trailers;

(6)    With no more than three (3) passengers at any one (1) time who shall remain seated throughout the ride;

(7)    In compliance with the safety requirements set forth in Section 6211;

(8)    In accordance with all requirements of the operator’s permit and any state-issued license; and

(9)    Operators shall wear a properly fitted and fastened bicycle helmet that meets the standards of the American National Standards Institute (ANSI Z 90.4 bicycle helmet standard), the Snell Memorial Foundation’s Standard for Protective Headgear for Use in Bicycling, or the American Society for Testing Materials (ASTM F-1447 standard). (Ord. 1410, eff. 7/1/2011)

Sec. 6210 Revocation of permits by Police Department.

(a)    The Chief of Police may suspend or revoke a pedicab owner’s permit upon a finding of one (1) or more of the following:

(1)    A violation of any requirement of this Article of the Arcata Municipal Code;

(2)    The failure to pay any judgment for damages arising from the unlawful or negligent operation of the pedicab;

(3)    Failure to procure or maintain insurance as required by Section 6204;

(4)    Allowing a person to operate or remain in charge of a pedicab who does not hold an operator’s permit;

(5)    Failure to adequately supervise pedicab operators;

(6)    A violation of any state or local law, rule or regulation that pertains to the owner’s ability to own a pedicab for operation in a manner that does not endanger or pose a threat of harm to the public; and

(7)    Discovery of a material misrepresentation of fact in the owner’s permit application or permit renewal application.

(b)    The Chief of Police may suspend or revoke a pedicab operator’s permit upon a finding of one (1) or more of the following:

(1)    A violation of any requirement of this Article of the Arcata Municipal Code;

(2)    The operation of a pedicab while under the influence of any alcoholic beverage or drug, or under the combined influence of any alcoholic beverage and drug;

(3)    The operation of the pedicab in a reckless and dangerous manner;

(4)    A violation of any state or local law, rule or regulation that pertains to the operator’s ability to operate a pedicab in a manner that does not endanger or pose a threat of harm to the public; and

(5)    Discovery of a material misrepresentation of fact in the operator’s permit application or permit renewal application.

(c)    Unless an immediate safety issue exists, a permit may not be suspended or revoked unless the permit holder has received notice and has had an opportunity to present evidence to the Chief of Police, or his or her designee, as to why it should not be suspended or revoked. (Ord. 1410, eff. 7/1/2011)

Sec. 6211 Safety requirements.

(a)    All pedicabs shall be kept in a reasonably clean and safe condition inside and externally so as not to injure or damage the person, clothing or possessions of a passenger. The pedicab’s exterior shall be reasonably clean and free from cracks, breaks and major dents. It shall be painted to provide adequate protection and a neat and clean appearance. Repairs made to comply with this section shall be done within a reasonable time based on availability of parts and labor.

(b)    All pedicabs shall have at a minimum the following properly working equipment or safety features:

(1)    A battery or generator operated headlight and taillight;

(2)    Turn signals visible from the front and rear of the pedicab;

(3)    Hydraulic or mechanical disc brakes; and

(4)    Spoke reflectors placed on each wheel and tape-type reflectors showing the front and the back width of the pedicab. (Ord. 1410, eff. 7/1/2011)

Sec. 6212 Loading required.

It shall be unlawful for any person owning or operating or driving, or causing to be operated or driven, any pedicab to permit the same to remain standing upon the street for the purpose of loading or unloading passengers unless the side of the pedicab is as close as possible to the curb and in no circumstances more than three (3) feet from the curb. (Ord. 1410, eff. 7/1/2011)

Sec. 6213 Penalty.

Any person who shall violate any provision this Article shall be guilty of an infraction, and the owner’s and/or operator’s permit shall be subject to revocation or suspension, following adequate notice and a hearing before the Chief of Police or his or her designee. (Ord. 1410, eff. 7/1/2011)

ARTICLE 3—SHORT-STAY AND VACATION RENTALS

Sec. 6300 Purpose. Revised 5/23

This Article establishes permit requirements, including a limit on the total number of permits that may be active at any time, and other regulations intended to ensure the safe and orderly conduct of short-stay, vacation, and other similar businesses in the City of Arcata. These regulations are also intended to ensure that only a limited proportion of the City’s housing stock, which would otherwise be used for long-term residency, is converted to short-stay use. (Ord. 1543, eff. 3/19/2021; Ord. 1545, eff. 6/4/2021; Ord. 1559, eff. 3/3/2023)

Sec. 6301 Definitions. Revised 5/23

"Accessory Dwelling Unit" shall have the same meaning as defined in the Land Use Code, Title IX, Chapter 9.100.

"Active Permit" shall mean a Vacation Rental permit that has not expired and the Vacation Rental was occupied for more than twenty-nine (29) days within the fiscal year the permit was in effect.

"Dwelling Unit" shall have the same meaning as defined in the Land Use Code, Title IX, Chapter 9.100, and includes both Primary Dwelling Units and Accessory Dwelling Units.

"Good Standing" shall mean that all Vacation Rental permit requirements are met, and all City fees, charges and taxes, including Transient Occupancy Tax, are paid timely.

"Lot" shall have the same meaning as defined in the Land Use Code, Title IX, Chapter 9.100.

"Operator" shall mean the entity, person, or persons engaged in the leasing, subleasing, or otherwise agreeing to allow a property under its control to be operated as a Vacation Rental. This could be, without limitation, the Owner, a tenant, any property management company responsible for the daily operations and emergency call response, or a third-party rental service.

"Owner" shall mean the entity, person, or persons holding fee title to the property on which a Vacation Rental is operated.

"Primary Dwelling Unit" shall have the same meaning as "Single-Family Dwelling" defined in the Arcata Municipal Code, Title IX, Chapter 9.100.

"Vacation Rental" shall mean any Dwelling Unit or portion thereof leased for transient occupancy or other temporary occupancy of one (1) or more persons for up to twenty-nine (29) days at a time. "Vacation Rental" shall include any short-stay temporary occupancy for fee living arrangement regardless of its title or its means of advertisement, except for Hotel, Motel, and Bed-and-Breakfast, which are separately defined and regulated under the Land Use Code, Title IX, Planning and Zoning. (Ord. 1543, eff. 3/19/2021; Ord. 1545, eff. 6/4/2021; Ord. 1559, eff. 3/3/2023)

Sec. 6302 Permit required. Revised 5/23

A.    General. The Operator of any Dwelling Unit, or portion thereof, that is used as a Vacation Rental shall obtain a permit prior to operation.

B.    Permits Are Nonexclusive. The Operator of a Vacation Rental shall obtain any and all other permits and satisfy all other requirements of federal, state, or local law, including obtaining a Business License, and complying with Transient Occupancy Tax provisions, Title VI, Chapters 1 and 3, respectively.

C.    Limitation of Permits. The total number of Vacation Rental permits that may be issued by the City at any one (1) time is limited to one hundred (100), which shall be issued on a first-come first-served basis until the permit limit is reached.

D.    Exemptions From Limitation. The following Vacation Rental types shall not be counted towards the limitation stated in subsection (C) of this Section, but the Operator of any such Vacation Rental shall obtain a Vacation Rental permit prior to operation, and operation shall be subject to all other requirements of this Article:

1.    A Dwelling Unit that is operated as a Vacation Rental for fewer than thirty (30) days total in any fiscal year, whether consecutive days or not;

2.    A Dwelling Unit operated as a Vacation Rental that is on a lot also occupied by the Owner;

3.    A Dwelling Unit that is on a Lot that has an Historic Landmark Combining Zone operated as a Vacation Rental.

E.    Permit Limitation Grace Period. Any permit that was issued pursuant to Ordinance 1554 as a long-term tenancy exemption prior to the enactment of this Short-Stay Vacation Rental Ordinance 1559 that remains Active and in Good Standing shall remain valid. If this results in the issuance of more than one hundred (100) Vacation Rental permits, no new Vacation Rental permits will be issued until the total number of issued Vacation Rental permits falls below one hundred (100).

F.    Permit Term. Vacation Rental permits shall be issued for one (1) year terms from date of issuance. (Ord. 1543, eff. 3/19/2021; Ord. 1545, eff. 6/4/2021; Ord. 1559, eff. 3/3/2023)

Sec. 6303 Permit issuance, requirements. Revised 5/23 Amended Ord. 1567

A.    Zoning Clearance. Upon receiving an application for a Vacation Rental permit and prior to the issuance of an initial Vacation Rental permit, the Community Development Director may require the Operator to obtain clearance from the Community Development Department to establish that use of the property satisfies zoning standards ("Zoning Clearance"). Generally, the Zoning Clearance will be completed during Community Development Department business license review; however, Zoning Clearance may occur at other times as warranted by the circumstances. Reissuance of a Vacation Rental permit will not require a new Zoning Clearance unless the site conditions, uses, or zoning are altered, changed or amended subsequent to issuance of the initial Vacation Rental permit.

B.    Permit Reissuance.

1.    An Operator holding an Active Permit in good standing may apply for and receive a reissued Vacation Rental permit; provided, that the application is made no sooner than ninety (90) days and no later than thirty (30) days prior to expiration of the Vacation Rental permit.

2.    Upon receiving a request for permit reissuance, the City Manager or its designee shall determine whether a permit is an Active Permit and in Good Standing. The Operator shall submit to the City Manager or designee Transient Occupancy Tax and other records deemed pertinent by the City Manager or designee to make these determinations.

C.    Permit Fee. The fee for administration and permit issuance shall be established by resolution of the City Council and shall be separate from and additional to all other fees that may be required by the City for operation of a Vacation Rental.

D.    Permit Transfer. A Vacation Rental permit may not be transferred to a different Dwelling Unit.

E.    Change in Ownership. The Operator shall notify the City at least thirty (30) days prior to a change in Ownership of the Dwelling Unit.

F.    The City Manager may establish administrative procedures to implement this Chapter. (Ord. 1543, eff. 3/19/2021; Ord. 1545, eff. 6/4/2021; Ord. 1559, eff. 3/3/2023)

Sec. 6304 Administrative enforcement remedies. Revised 5/23

A.    General. When the City Manager finds that a permittee has violated or continues to violate any provision in this Article, the permit, or applicable State or local law, the City Manager may suspend or revoke the permit, and may impose administrative penalties in accordance with Title I, Chapter 3.

B.    Permit Suspension. The City Manager may immediately, without prior notice or hearing, suspend a Vacation Rental permit after informal notice to the permittee whenever such suspension is necessary to stop an actual or threatened activity that reasonably appears to violate any applicable City law, regulation, rule or order. Any permittee notified of a suspension of its permit shall immediately discontinue operating the Vacation Rental.

C.    Permit Revocation. The City Manager may revoke a Vacation Rental permit for good cause, including, but not limited to, the following reasons:

1.    Failure to timely address neighborhood impacts and police call-outs to the Vacation Rental;

2.    Failure to pay any fees, taxes, charges, or fines associated with or incurred by operation of the Vacation Rental;

3.    Violation of any Vacation Rental permit condition, term, or any provisions of this Article or any other applicable state or local law.

D.    Reconsideration. Any permittee affected by any administrative enforcement action made by the City Manager may file with the City Manager a written request for reconsideration within ten (10) days of such decision, action, or determination, setting forth in detail the facts supporting the permittee’s request for reconsideration. The City Manager shall schedule a meeting with the permittee to consider the reconsideration request, and shall make a final determination within fifteen (15) days after the meeting. The City Manager’s decision, action, or determination shall remain in effect during such period of reconsideration.

E.    City Council Appeal. The City Manager’s reconsideration determination may be appealed by the affected permittee to the City Council by submitting a written request for appeal to the City Manager no later than ten (10) days after notification of the City Manager’s reconsideration decision. The written appeal shall be heard by the City Council within sixty (60) days from the date of filing. The City Manager’s decision, action, or determination shall remain in effect during such period of appeal.

F.    Automatic Permit Termination. Permits shall be voidable upon nonuse, upon cessation of the activity, upon change of ownership of the Dwelling Unit, or upon such other cause as set forth in regulations adopted by resolution of the City Council. (Ord. 1543, eff. 3/19/2021; Ord. 1545, eff. 6/4/2021; Ord. 1559, eff. 3/3/2023)

Sec. 6305 Judicial remedies. Revised 5/23

A.    Injunctive Relief, Penalties. When the City Manager finds that an Operator has violated any Vacation Rental permit condition, the provisions of this Article, or any other applicable City, County, or State law, the City through its City Attorney may petition the Humboldt County Superior Court for the issuance of a temporary restraining order, preliminary, and/or permanent injunction as may be appropriate to restrain the continuance of the activity. The City may also seek such other action as is appropriate for legal and/or equitable relief. A petition for injunctive relief shall not be a bar against, or a prerequisite for, taking any other action against an Operator.

B.    Criminal Prosecution. Any violation of this Chapter may be prosecuted by the City Attorney and charged in the discretion of the City Attorney as either a misdemeanor or an infraction. (Ord. 1543, eff. 3/19/2021; Ord. 1545, eff. 6/4/2021; Ord. 1559, eff. 3/3/2023)

Sec. 6307 Remedies nonexclusive. Revised 5/23

A.    The remedies in this Article are not exclusive. The City may take any, all, or any combination of these actions against a noncompliant permittee. (Ord. 1543, eff. 3/19/2021; Ord. 1545, eff. 6/4/2021; Ord. 1559, eff. 3/3/2023)