HomeMy WebLinkAboutOrdinance 20503-11-2012 ORDINANCE NO. 20503-11-2012
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FORT
WORTH, TEXAS, AMENDING CITY CODE CHAPTER 34, "VEHICLES
FOR HIRE," ARTICLE VI, "GROUND TRANSPORTATION FOR HIRE,"
BY ADDING THE DEFINITION OF "GROUP CYCLE" TO SECTION 34-
200, SECTION 1, DIVISION 1, "GENERAL PROVISIONS;" BY
AMENDING SECTION 34-203, "APPLICATION," SECTION 34-206,
"INCREASE OR REDUCTION IN SPECIFIED NUMBER OF VEHICLES
FOR HIRE; ANNUAL REVIEW," SECTION 34-209, "CONSENT
REQUIRED FOR TRANSFER OF OPERATING AUTHORITY; CONSENT
REQUIRED FOR TRANSFER OF OWNERSHIP OR CONTROL;" BY
AMENDING DIVISION 6, "PEDICAB," SECTION 34-330, "SCOPE OF
DIVISION 6," SECTION 34-331, "MINIMUM NUMBER OF PEDICABS
NEEDED FOR OPERATING AUTHORITY; RENEWALS," SECTION 34-
332, "PEDICAB DESIGNATED AREAS," SECTION 34-333, "AREA/TIME
EXCEPTION," SECTION 34-335, "PEDICAB EQUIPMENT," SECTION 34-
336 "INSPECTIONS;" ADDING SECTION 34-337, "ALCOHOL ON A
PEDICAB OR GROUP CYCLE;" PROVIDING A PENALTY CLAUSE;
PROVIDING THAT THIS ORDINANCE SHALL BE CUMULATIVE;
PROVIDING A SAVINGS CLAUSE; PROVIDING FOR A
SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; PROVIDING FOR PUBLICATION IN THE
OFFICIAL NEWSPAPER OF THE CITY; AND PROVIDING AN
EFFECTIVE DATE.
WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Fort Worth ("City Council") seeks to protect
the public safety by ordinance shall license, control and otherwise regulate each private
passenger vehicle, regardless of how it is propelled;
WHEREAS, pursuant to Texas Local Government Code Chapters 215.004, 215.073 and
215.0735, the City Council has the general authority to license, fix the charges or fares made by,
or otherwise regulate any person who owns, operates, or controls any type of vehicle used on the
public streets or alleys of the municipality for carrying passengers or freight for a commission;
WHEREAS, it is advisable to regulate group cycle services that is a new type of ground
transportation service;
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Page 1 of 17
WHEREAS, it iu advisable to uuzoud Chapter 34ofthe Fort Worth Code ofOrdinances
to add new regulations and amend existing rcmJubooa to address the City's changing ground
transportation needs; and
WHEREAS, the City Council finds this Ordinance to be reasonable and necessary.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CDT]/ COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
FORT WORTH,TEXAS:
SECTION 1.
That Chapter 34 ^^\/rbiu|os for Hire," Article V] ^^(]rooud Transportation for Biro."
Division ], "General Prov;mioua," Section S4'200` ^^Z)cboiduua'" of the Code o[the City ofFort
Worth is hcrchv acnoodcd to add:
Group Cycle means unou-mok>dzed vehicle with the carrying capacity of sixteen (l6)
pusaou8erm that operates on u pre-arranged and pre-determined schedule. The service has u fizui
pickup and destination points located on u route approved b y and on file with th e Ground
Iruoepodubuu Coordinator. The vehicle only operates within u designated area or on an
approved route.
SECTION 2.
That Chapter 34 '^\/ubioieu for Hire," /\diu|e \/[' "Ground Transportation for Hire,"
Division \, "General Provioioua`" 8uodooa ]4-20], 34'206, and 34-209 of the Code of the City
of Fort Worth are hereby amended to odd the following:
See. 34-203' Application.
(o) Any pcxyun desiring authority to operate vehicles for hire in the city ahu\| submit an
uppiioudoo on u form provided for that purpose to the ground buuuporiubou office. If
application is for taxicab, the application shall be uohnnitiod to the Board for review. If
Ground Transportation Ordinance Amending Ch,34 Ordinance No. 20503 11-2012
Page 2of|7
application is made for limousine, shuttle, pedicab, group cycle or horse-drawn carriage
service, the application shall be reviewed by the Ground Transportation Coordinator. The
applicant must be the person who will own, control, or operate the proposed vehicle for
hire service. Each application must contain the following:
(1) The name, age and address of the applicant, if a natural person, or, if a
corporation, its name, date and place of incorporation, address of its principal
place of business and the names of all its officers, directors and persons with an
economic interest, together with their respective addresses, as well as a certified
copy of the articles of incorporation, the trade name, if any, under which the
applicant proposes to operate and the address of the place or places of business
from which the applicant proposes to operate.
(2) A description of each vehicle the applicant proposes to use in providing vehicle
for hire service, including, but not limited to, each vehicle's year, make, model,
type, seating capacity, condition of each vehicle for hire proposed to be operated,
the design and color scheme of each vehicle for hire and the lettering and marks
to be used thereon.
(3) The number of vehicles for hire for which operating authority is desired, which
shall not be less than the minimum number of vehicles as required by this
ordinance. This number should include the approved adjustment as set forth in
Section 34-200 of this ordinance to allow for reduction or increase in the number
of authorized vehicles.
(4) A full and complete statement of all the applicant's assets and liabilities.
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(5) A full ibJ of any unpaid of record uguiouL opp|iouct' which list shall
include the ououe and address of the owner nfthe udeonmut and amount ofthe
judgment; and, if the uppUnuut is unoqporodno, nfuK list of any unpaid judgments
against any of the offiomra and directors, which UeL ahui include the name and
address of the owner ofthe judgment and the al-nOLint of the judgment.
(6) The make and model type of meter to be installed on each vehicle for hire if
required, for which application of the operating authority iomade.
(7) A full list of any and all )ieuo` mortgages and other encumbrances on the vmbic)mo
for hire and other eguiponooi to be used in providing aczvioc, which list abul\
include the amount secured byo lien, mortgage vr other encumbrance, the amount
tbsu duo thereon, the character of such |ioo^ mortgage or other eocuruhruoto and
the name and address of the holder of such lien, mortgage or other encumbrance.
(8) A list ofall convictions nf the applicant for violations of any and all federal, state
or municipal laws. The applicant must not have been convicted twice within a two
(l) year period for violations Linder Section 34-215 of this chapter; if the applicant
is a corporation or other bmsio:ow entity, u list of all convictions of all officers,
ouenuheru and directors ofthe corporation orentity and persons with an c0000noiu
in(crcxi in the operating uu{hud(y for violations of any D:doruL xio1c or municipal
laws.
(Y) Full iub»noodou pertaining to the extent, quality and character of the service the
applicant proposes 1n render. This obuU include, but not he limited to the
communication system, frequencies, dispatch staffing and procedures, vehicle
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maintenance, driver training, safety program and procedures for handling
customer complaints or lost items.
(10) Facts indicating Public Necessity and Convenience as defined in this ordinance
for taxicab service with consideration given to the following factors may include
but are not limited to:
1. Operational information demonstrating applicant's record in providing
satisfactory passenger service;
ii. Demonstrated need for the proposed number of vehicles to ensure
adequate availability of vehicles for dispatch service, taking into account
vehicle utilization rates using a guideline of eight (8) Fort Worth trips per
vehicle, per day for taxicabs;
iii. Dispatch logs or other records indicating customer wait times and on-time
perfon-nance for customers making advance reservations for geographic
areas of the City;
iv. Overall trip volume, trip volumes for Fort Worth-authorized taxicabs, and
trip volumes for Fort Worth pick-ups, with such records being subject to
independent review',
V. Geographic distribution of trips in the city, and for companies not
currently authorized in Fort Worth, the geographic distribution of trips in
the region;
vi. Applicant's ability to demonstrate need through a proposal indicating
potential effectiveness, and marketing plans for the period of time covered
by the operating authority;
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vii. Any other factor the Board or the City Council deems relevant.
(11) A full and complete statement of the experience, if any, the applicant has had in
rendering such services in the city or elsewhere; and, if the applicant is a
corporation or other business entity, a full and complete statement of the
experience the officers, members and directors have had in rendering such service
in the city or elsewhere. The statement must list all previous denials, revocations
or forfeitures of permits, franchises or other operating authority for such services,
the dates, locations and reasons.
(12) Any such other and additional information as may be required by the Board or the
City Council in its discretion.
(b) A nonrefundable application fee must accompany the application. Upon request by the
City, applicant shall furnish to the City additional copies of its application as the City
may require for the review and consideration of same.
(c) In addition to the requirements set forth in Sections 34-203 and 34-206, applications for
operating authority issued to taxicabs services after the adoption of this ordinance for any
new company or any existing company desiring to increase its fleet beyond the approved
adjustment, will be recommended for approval if the applicant or holder demonstrates the
Public Necessity and Convenience as defined by this ordinance for the operation of
additional vehicles in Fort Worth. Such request may be denied if the vehicles subject to
the requested increase bear a decal for Dallas Fort Worth International Airport.
Applications for increase beyond the approved adjustment for limousines, shuttles, horse-
drawn carriages, group cycle, or pedicabs, will be recommended for approval if the
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applicant or holder demonstrates sufficient need for the operation of additional vehicles
in Fort Worth.
Sec. 34-206. Increase or Reduction in Specified Number of Vehicles for Hire; Annual
Review.
(a) The applicant for any operating authority for vehicle for hire service under the terms of
this chapter shall be authorized to operate in the city only the number and type of vehicles
for hire specified in such operating authority, including the approved adjustment. The
holder may request to increase or decrease his fleet within the approved adjustment not
more than one time for each year he is authorized to operate under this ordinance. If the
holder desires an increase or decrease within the approved adjustment, the holder shall
notify the Coordinator, and the Coordinator shall determine whether or not such increase
or decrease is authorized based on the factors set forth in Sections 34-203 and 34-204 of
this chapter.
(b) If demand periods require the operation of additional or less vehicles for hire which
exceeds the holder's approved adjustment, then, the holder may request an adjustment in
the number of authorized vehicles. If the request is for taxicab, the holder shall submit a
written request to increase fleet, addition vehicles must meet the alternative fuel
requirements as defined in Section 34-200 of this Chapter or decrease the number of
vehicles in his fleet to the ground transportation office for review by the "Vehicle for
Hire Review Board" indicating the reasons for additional or less vehicles. After a public
hearing, the Board shall make recommendations to the City Council for approval as to
any necessary adjustments in the number of vehicles. If the request is for a limousine,
shuttle, horse-drawn carriage, pedicab or group cycle service, the holder shall submit a
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written request to increase or decrease the number of authorized vcbio)«s to the Ground
Troomyodudoo Coordinator indicating the roumoua for additional or |cox vobio|oa. The
Board or the Coordinator, respectively, shall make recommendations to the City Council.
(o) If the City Council finds that the public necessity and convenience require the reduction
or addition of vehicles for biro, tbuo it obu|i authorize the holder to reduce or odd to his
fleet a designated number of vehicles for hire. After such authorization by the City
Council and ucooytuoce by the holder, the bo|dcc may operate only the number of
vehicles for hire specified in the operating authority originally granted to d, plus the
ouruhcr of vehicles for biro it is authorized to add to its fleet as set out above, or the
holder may operate only the number of vehicles as specified after the approved reduction.
If the Board or the Coordinator denies u holder's request to increase nrdecrease its DooL
that decision is fioo] uo|osy appeal is rnudo with the Hearing ()t6uer in mocnrduouo with
Scodou 34-207 within ten (10) business days after the fiou| decision of the Board or the
Coordinator.
(d) The I]uord mbu\i review the approved adjustment of each holder's application for
operating authority for tuxiouhm on an uuoua1 basis. If the £loond dctconions that
modifications are required to the number of vehicles in any holder's fleet, and the
modified number exceeds or is less than the approved adjustment, then after notice to tile
bn|don'a) and u public hearing in accordance with Section 34-204(u), the E\nuod abu||
make recommendations to the City Council for approval as to any necessary adjustments.
\f the City Council finds that the public necessity and convenience require the reduction
or increase in the number of vehicles for hire, then it xbu|| require the holder to reduce or
add to his fleet o designated number of vehicles for hire. /\ttor such action, the holder
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wbaU only be authorized to operate the number of wobic|cm for hire specified in the
operating authority originally granted to it, plum the number of vehicles for bdru it is
authorized to add to its Dee( as set out above, or the holder may operate only the number
of vehicles os specified after the required reduction.
(c) Upon reduction of the number of authorized vehicles, the holder shall return all decals for
vehicles for hire vvbiob will no longer be in service due to the n:duodou to the
Coordinator within three (3) days o[such order.
0«o. 34-20A. Consent Required for Transfer of Operating Authority; Consent Required for
Transfer of Ownership nrControl.
(u) No grant of operating authority made under the terms of this article shall be assignable or
transferable without the 6omou| consent and approval of the City Council after proper
application in made to the Board or the Coordinator. Such application abu)i be
u000ropnoimd with a nonrefundable application fee paid to the ground Lruonpndubon
office. Dyoo receipt of such application and fee, if the application is for taxicab, the
Board shall review the application and make an investigation as it deems necessary. If the
application is for limousine, shuttle, pcdiuoh, group cycle or horse-drawn carriage
service, the Coordinator shall review the application and make an ioveobgubnu as be
deems necessary. The Board or the Coordinator, respectively, shall make a
r000nomcodmboo to the City Council as to whether the proposed tozuofeu:e is qualified to
conduct such business, whether the transferee is fiouuniul|y able to conduct such huaiucsn
and to pay any claims for damages which might be asserted against him or her by virtue
of the operation of such vehicle for hire, and whether the operation of such business by
the transferee will be beneficial to the general public in the city.
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(b) No holder shall sell, transfer, assign or otherwise encumber holder's vehicle for hire
operation without the consent of the City Council. If a holder desires the City Council's
consent to sell, transfer, assign or otherwise encumber its vehicle for hire operation, the
holder shall submit an application for such consent in the form requested by the City and
shall submit such documents and information that the City may reasonably need for its
consideration of the application to the ground transportation office. The holder shall
reimburse the City for all costs reasonably incurred due to any proposed sale, transfer,
assignment or other encumbrance.
SECTION 3.
That Chapter 34 "Vehicles for Hire," Article VI, "Ground Transportation for Hire,"
Division 6, "Pedicab," Section 34-330, "Scope of Division 6" of the Code of the City of Fort
Worth is hereby amended to add the following:
DIVISION 6. PEDICAB OR GROUP CYCLE
See. 34-330. Scope of Division 6.
Holders of operating authority for a pedicab or group cycle service shall be governed by the
provisions of this division in addition to all of the provisions found in Division 1 of this article.
SECTION 4.
That Chapter 34 "Vehicles for Hire," Article VI, "Ground Transportation for Hire,"
Division 6, "Pedicab," Section 34-331, "Minimum Number of Pedicabs Needed for Operating
Authority; Renewals" of the Code of the City of Fort Worth is hereby amended to add the
following:
See. 34-331. Minimum Number of Pedicabs or Group Cycles Needed for Operating
Authority; Renewals.
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(a) In order for an applicant to apply for authority to operate pedicab or group cycle service
in the city of Fort Worth, the application must request authority for a minimum number
of two (2) operational pedicabs or one (1) group cycle before it will be accepted for
review and consideration. The Coordinator will review the application to ensure that it
meets the requirements of the ordinance, and upon approval by the Coordinator, the
Coordinator shall make a recommendation to the City Council to grant operating
authority. If the Coordinator denies the application, then that decision is final unless the
applicant timely files an appeal with the Healing Officer pursuant to Section 34-207 of
this ordinance.
(b) Applications for renewal of operating authority shall be reviewed by the Coordinator
without a public hearing if, after investigation, the Coordinator deten-nines that:
(1) The holder has performed satisfactorily under the terms of the operating authority;
(2) The service provided continues to be necessary and desirable; and
(3) The holder continues to comply with all requirements of this chapter.
(c) If all conditions of this subsection (b) are met, the Coordinator shall recommend approval
for renewal of operating authority.
SECTION 5.
That Chapter 34 "Vehicles for Hire," Article VI, "Ground Transportation for Hire,"
Division 6, "Pedicab," Section 34-332, "Pedicab Designated Areas" of the Code of the City of
Fort Worth is hereby amended to add the following:
See. 34-332. Pedicab or Group Cycle Designated Areas.
(a) The downtown, South Side and West 7'h Street designated areas shall be defined by the
Director.
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Page 1 I of 17
(b) Service in the designated areas shall be permitted between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and
1:00 a.m., Monday through Friday and all day on Saturday, Sunday, and on the following
holidays if the holiday falls on a Monday through Friday: Thanksgiving Day and the
Friday after Thanksgiving Day, Christmas (December 25th), New Year's Day (January
I st), Independence Day(July 4th), Memorial Day and Labor Day.
(c) Stockyards designated area shall be defined by the Director.
(d) Service in the stockyards designated area shall be permitted between the hours of 10:00
a.m. and 3:30 a.m., Monday through Friday and all day on Saturday, Sunday and on the
following holidays if the holiday falls on a Monday through Friday: Thanksgiving Day
and the Friday after Thanksgiving Day, Christmas (December 25th), New Year's Day
(January I st), Independence Day(July 4th), Memorial Day and Labor Day.
SECTION 6.
That Chapter 34 "Vehicles for Hire," Article VI, "Ground Transportation for Hire,"
Division 6, "Pedicab," Section 34-333, "Area/Time Exception" of the Code of the City of Fort
Worth is hereby amended to add the following:
See. 34-333. Area/Time Exception.
(a) If holder desires to provide pedicab or group cycle service in areas or times other than
permitted in section 34-332, holder shall seek a "street use permit" from the Ground
Transportation Coordinator no later than 1:00 p.m. on the City business day before the
day of the requested service. In order to request a street user permit, holder must submit
the desired route or time for the Coordinator's review.
(b) The Director of Transportation and Public Works, or his or her designee, may condition
the street use permit with any requirement deemed to be in the interest of public safety,
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Page 12 of 17
such as, but not limited to, requiring the holder to have a vehicle escort following the
pedicab or group cycle vehicle on major thoroughfares or additional temporary lighting.
(c) If approval or conditional approval is granted, a "street use permit" shall be issued that
shall include any required condition(s).
SECTION 7.
That Chapter 34 "Vehicles for Hire," Article VI, "Ground Transportation for Hire,"
Division 6, "Pedicab," Section 34-335, "Pedicab Equipment" of the Code of the City of Fort
Worth is hereby amended to add the following:
See. 34-335. Pedicab or Group Cycle Equipment.
(a) Holder shall keep its equipment in a neat, clean, operable and safe condition with state
and federal laws, attractive to the general public.
(b) Holder shall identify each pedicab or group cycle vehicle with the name of the entity
holding the operating authority on the rear or the side of the vehicles; such letters and
numbers shall be at least two (2) inches high.
(c) A holder or driver shall, at all times, provide and maintain in good operating condition
the following items and equipment for each pedicab or group cycle vehicle:
(1) Head lights;
(2) Taillights;
(3) A braking system;
(4) Rubber on all wheels;
(5) A slow moving vehicle sign attached to the rear of the vehicle;
(6) Evidence of insurance;
(7) Decal;
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Page 13 of 17
(8) Safety helmet( pedicab only);
yA Seat belts (pedivabmdy).
SECTION 8.
That Chapter 34 ^^\/ehio|cu for Hire," /\diulc \/I, "Ground Transportation for Hire,"
Division 6 `Pedicab ' Section 34-336, "Inspections" of the Code of the City of Fort Worth is
hereby amended tw add the following:
See. 34-336. Inspections.
kJ The holder of each pedicab or group cycle vehicles shall annually obtain from the Ground
Transportation Coordinator adecal that indicates that the vehicles has authority to operate
in the city of Fort VVoctb and that it has been inspected.
(h) All podioah or group cycle service aba|i be subject to inspection at any time by any
designated ,neonbur of the Fort VVonih Police Department, City Mnnabn|`m [)tBcc, the
Director orhis nr her designee, oc the Coordinator tn ensure compliance with this article.
It abu|l be u violation of this article for any person to delay, interfere with or refuse to
u11ovv such ivayeodoo. Anypedioab or group cycle vehicles found not to coofbon 0o the
standards and Loleruuonm provided for in this article aba|| not be approved by the Ground
Transportation Coordinator and ubu|| be ordered out of service. The {]round
Trmumporioduu Coordinator shall make or cause to be made, at least every twelve (l2)
ononiba` inspections ofpedioub or group cycle vehicles to ensure their compliance with
this article. The Un000d Transportation Coordinator's offioc nbu\l nzuiutuio ureuond of
each inspection and abu}| provide the bolder a copy of same. 0oon u pedicub or group
cycle vehicle is inspected and found to be in compliance with this article, the Ground
Transportation Coordinator shalt affix a non-motorized decal on the vehicle.
Ground Transportation Ordinance Amending Ch. 34 Ordinance No 20503'))'2012
Page )4o[17
(c) Annually, the holder shall pay an inspection fee per pedicab or group cycle vehicles.
(d) If yedicab or group cycle is involved in an accident or collision during the term of the
oocrudug authority, the holder shall notify the Ground Transportation Coordinator's
otboc within five (5) days after the accident orcollision. Before operating the podioub or
group cycle, u holder sbo!} have the vehicle re-inspected for safety by the Ground
Transportation Coordinator's office to prove that the vehicle has been restored to its
previous condition.
(e) A person oornnnitm an offense if the person oporuicm apedicnb or group cycle service in
the city without obtaining u non-motorized dcou| from the Ground Transportation
Coordinator.
SECTION 9.
That Chapter 34 "Vehicles for Hire," Article VI, "Ground Transportation for Hire,"
Division 6, ^^Podicub," Section 34-337, ^^&)cobo\ on Pediouh or Group Cycle" Code of the City
of Fort Worth iu hereby added Lo read uafollows:
See. 34-337. Alcohol wmuPedixabmr Group Cycle.
(u) A holder or driver commits an offense if he provides an alcoholic beverage to a passenger
for u fee ncuu part of the yodioubor group cycle service.
(h) /\ holder or driver commits an offense if he purchases or stocks uPedicub or group cycle
with an alcoholic beverage. /\ non-alcoholic beverage or mixer may bc puzubmaod and
provided by the holder or driver.
(d An alcoholic beverage may be in the pedicab or group cycle only if the passenger brought
the alcoholic beverage into the pedicab or group cycle and the passenger meets minimum
age requirements of the state.
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(d) The holder must submit guidelines or procedures to passengers regarding alcoholic
beverage usage during the service of operation.
SECTION 10.
That this ordinance shall be cumulative of all provisions of ordinances of the Code of the
City of Fort Worth, Texas, as amended, except where the provisions of this ordinance are in direct
conflict with the provisions of such ordinances and such Code, in which event conflicting provisions
of such ordinances and such Code are hereby repealed.
SECTION 11.
That Chapter 34 of the Code of the City of Fort Worth, as amended, shall remain in full
force and effect, save and except as amended by this ordinance.
SECTION 12.
That it is hereby declared to be the intention of the City Council that the sections,
paragraphs, sentences, clauses and phrases of this ordinance are severable, and, if any phrase,
clause, sentence, paragraph or section of this ordinance shall be declared unconstitutional by the
valid Judgment or decree of any court of competent Jurisdiction, such unconstitutionality shall not
affect any of the remaining phrases, clauses, sentences, paragraphs and sections of this ordinance,
since the same would have been enacted by the City Council without the incorporation in this
ordinance of any such unconstitutional phrase, clause, sentence,paragraph or section.
SECTION 13.
A penalty may be imposed for violations of this ordinance in an amount not to exceed
five hundred dollars ($500). Each day that a violation exists shall constitute a separate offense.
Any violation of this ordinance shall be a class C misdemeanor.
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Page 16 of 17
SECTION 14.
That the City Secretary of the City of Fort Worth, Texas is hereby directed to publish the
caption, penalty clause and effective date of this ordinance for two (2) days in the official
newspaper of the City of Fort Worth, Texas, as authorized by Chapter XXV, Section 2 of the
Charter of the City of Fort Worth, Texas.
SECTION 15.
That this ordinance shall take effect after its passage and publication as required by law,
and it is accordingly so ordained.
APPROV D AS TO FO M AND LEGALITY:
� r
Assistant City Attorney
ADOPTED: November 12 20112
EFFECTNEf`_
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Page 17 of 17
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City of Fort Worth, Texas
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COUNCIL Approved on 11 No.
DATE: Monday, November 12. 2012 REFERENCE N0.: G-17738
LOG NAME: 2OAMEN[}|NG CHAPTER 34 VEHICLES FOR HIRE
SUBJECT:
Adopt Ordinance Amending Chapter 34uf the Fort Worth City Code, as Amended, by Amending Article VI,
Sections 34'2OO. 34'2U3. 34-205, 34-2Og. 34-300. 34-331. 34-332. 34-333. 34-335. 34-336 and Adding
Section 34'337 Relating b) Ground Transportation Vehicles for Hire to Regulate Group Cycle Services
(ALL COUNCIL DISTRICTS)
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the City Council adopt the attached ordinance amending certain sub-sections of
Chapters 34of the Fort Worth City Code, @s amended, by amending Article VI, sections 34-200. 34-2O3.
34-2OO. 34-20g. 34-30O, 34-331. 34-332, 34-333. 34-335. 34-330 and adding section 34-337 relating kz
ground transportation vehicles for hire to regulate Group Cycle Services.
DISCUSSION:
Since group cycling is now available in Austin and other cities across the United States, one local
business decided to make that service available in the City of Fort Worth (City)and met with the City's
Ground Transportation Coordinator(Coordinator)to discuss how to receive an operating grant of
authority. Currently, no regulation exists for group cycle services. A group cycle vehicle is a non-
motorized, trolley-shaped vehicle that carries up to 16 people. While the passengers pedal, the group
cycle operator steers the vehicle on 8 pre-determined route. Reservations are required to use the service
and the service operates on routes pre-approved by the Coordinator. While customers may bring their
own alcoholic beverages, the group cycle operator will not be serving, buying or providing alcohol for its
group cycle passengers. The group cycle operator will not be drinking alcohol while operating the group
cycle vehicle.
This fall the Coordinator met with key downtown stakeholders regarding the group cycle service and
received positive feedback regarding the establishment of the group cycle service. |n order to give an
operating grant of authority for the group cycle service, the current City ordinance must be revised. The
revisions to the ordinance establish designated areas and times for service as well as specific equipment
for group cycle vehicles. The ordinance also oeLe standards for group cycle operators regarding alcoholic
beverage usage on group cycle vehicles.
Adoption of the attached ordinance will authorize the Ground Transportation Coordinator to implement the
changes necessary tn regulate group cycle services. Staff recommends that the City Council approve the
attached ordinance to become effective upon completion of the publication requirement, in accordance
with Chapter XXV, section 2 of the City Charter and section 34-205 of the Code of Ordinances.
Lognome: 2OAMBNDlN(} CHAPTER 34 VEHICLES FOR HIRE 9ouolo{2
FISCAL INFORMATION /CERTIFICATION:
The Financial Management Services Director certifies that this action has no material effect on City funds.
FUND CENTERS:
TO Fund/Account/Centers FROM Fund/Account/Centers
CERTIFICATIONS:
Submitted for City Manager's Office by: Fernando Costa (6122)
Originating Department Head: Douglas W. Wiersig (7801)
Additional Information Contact: Gerald Taylor (6987)
Lognarne: 20AMENDING CHAPTER 34 VEHICLES FOR HIRE Page 2 of 2